Super Eagles news: Moses Usor beats Nigeria record held by former Sevilla star

Super Eagles striker Moses Usor has written his name into Nigerian football record books with his stunning winning goal against Madagascar on Friday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Usor enjoyed a rare kind of Super Eagles debut and, in so doing, joined Akor Adams in an exclusive club before taking one of its records away from the former Sevilla striker.

The LASK winger needed only four minutes to score after entering Nigeria's 2-1 AFCON 2027 qualifying victory over Madagascar as a substitute in Uyo. Usor, therefore, beat Adams' previous mark of 18 minutes for a goal on a competitive senior debut as a substitute.

Adams had come off the bench in the 62nd minute against Lesotho in a 2026 World Cup qualifier in Polokwane before expertly finishing Victor Osimhen's pass in the 80th minute.

AFCON 2027

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Usor's route was even more explosive after coach Eric Chelle introduced him for Samuel Chukwueze in the 61st minute at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. The 24-year-old struck in the 65th after collecting Semi Ajayi's headed clearance inside his own half, driving beyond two defenders and firing a low left-footed finish past Madagascar goalkeeper Geordan Dupire.

Usor takes Adams' record as Super Eagles make history in Uyo

The goal means Usor has now become the fastest Nigerian to score on a competitive senior international debut after entering as a substitute, improving on Adams' 18-minute benchmark by 14 minutes.

The Madagascar victory produced another landmark. Usor and George Ilenikhena became the first pair of players to score on their Super Eagles debuts in the same match.

Ilenikhena started in place of the injured Victor Osimhen and equalised in first-half stoppage time after Alex Iwobi split the Madagascar defence with a through ball. Madagascar had taken a 16th-minute lead through Ehsan Kari, only for Ilenikhena to restore parity before half-time.

Usor then transformed a difficult qualifier into three points with a solo run and near-post finish that sent Nigeria into the lead for the first time and ultimately secured all three points for the Super Eagles.

The 36 Lion Academy product will look to make more impact for Nigeria when the former African champions tackle Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday on matchday two of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

Guinea-Bissau currently share top spot in Group L with Nigeria, after the Djurtus powered to a 2-0 away win in Tanzania also on Friday.