Super Eagles: Hits and flops from 2-1 win over Madagascar

Nigeria's Super Eagles began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Eric Chelle's side had to recover from an early setback after Madagascar took the lead, but two goals from debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor turned the game around and handed Nigeria three points.

While the result gives the Super Eagles a winning start, the performance was far from convincing, with some players standing out while others struggled to make an impact.

In this article, Soccernet writes on some of the hits and flops from the Madagascar game.

Super Eagles Hits

George Ilenikhena

It could hardly have been a better senior debut for Ilenikhena. The Al-Ittihad forward showed exactly why Chelle handed him his first Super Eagles call-up, producing the equalizer just before half-time after Alex Iwobi's excellent pass.

Première sélection, premier but.

George Ilenikhena. 🔫🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/mRThXqAWex

— Naija Football 🇳🇬 (@NaijaFootball_) September 25, 2026

Rather than looking overawed by the occasion, Ilenikhena showed composure inside the box to finish from close range.

His movement also gave Nigeria another dimension in attack, particularly with Victor Osimhen absent.

The 20-year-old's goal could be the beginning of a significant international career.

Moses Usor

Usor went from debutant to match-winner.

Introduced from the bench, the LASK winger immediately gave Nigeria more directness and attacking energy before producing the moment that settled the contest.

🚨 Moses Usor brilliant goal!

🇳🇬 Nigeria 2-1 Madagascar 🇲🇬pic.twitter.com/kODHBVvWWq

— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) September 25, 2026

His superb finish completed Nigeria's comeback and justified Chelle's decision to introduce him.

With established options such as Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze struggling to consistently trouble Madagascar, Usor's impact off the bench was particularly notable.

Alex Iwobi

Iwobi was one of Nigeria's more influential players in the attacking third.

The Fulham midfielder provided the assist for Ilenikhena's equaliser with a precise pass that cut through the Madagascar defence.

He also tried to connect Nigeria's midfield with the forwards, although the Super Eagles' attacking structure remained inconsistent for long periods.

Iwobi's creativity was one of the clearer positives from an otherwise frustrating first half.

Super Eagles Flops

Ademola Lookman

Lookman had an unusually quiet evening. The Atletico Madrid forward possesses the quality to decide games at international level, but Madagascar did a good job of limiting his influence.

He struggled to find enough space to attack the defence and was unable to produce the kind of decisive moment expected from one of Nigeria's most established forwards.

With Osimhen missing, Nigeria needed more from its senior attackers, and Lookman was unable to provide it.

Samuel Chukwueze

Chukwueze also struggled to make a significant difference. The winger's pace and one-on-one ability were expected to cause Madagascar problems, but his influence faded as the game progressed.

Nigeria's attacking play often became predictable, and Chukwueze was unable to consistently stretch the opposition defence or create clear opportunities.

His performance was another reason Chelle eventually turned to Usor for additional attacking energy.

Akor Adams

Akor Adams was one of the worst performer for Nigeria on the night. He has been struggling at his club Venezia, and that poor form apparently accompanied him to the Super Eagles.

He looked unconvincing in front of goal and was always rushing his shots. He also failed to strike an understanding with George Ilenikhena. His ball usage was also unimpressive. Adams has definitely seen better days in a green jersey. He will be hoping to get another chance to prove himself against Guinea-Bissau next week.