Super Eagles beat Madagascar in AFCONQ opener
The Super Eagles recorded a hard-fought 2-1 win over Madagascar in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday.
It was a victorious start in the qualifiers for Nigeria following the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Eric Chelle opted for Stanley Nwabali in goal with the quartet of Ola Aina, Bruno Onyeamachi, Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey in front of him.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Akor Adams started in the midfield, while George Ilenikhena led the line, ably supported by Samuel Chukwueze, and Ademola Lookman.
Clément Couturier gave Madagascar the lead in the 16th minute against the run of play with a well-placed header.
Debutant George Ilenikhena restored parity for Nigeria on the stroke of halftime to make it 1-1.
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Another debutant Moses Usor completed the turnaround in the second half with a well taken goal to give Nigeria a 2-1 lead.
Moses Simon came off the bench in the 60th minute to make his 100th cap for Nigeria.
He is now the fifth player to achieve the feat for the Super Eagles after Vincent Enyeama, Joseph Yobo, Ahmed Musa and Alex Iwobi.
The Super Eagles held on to seal a vital victory in their quest to qualifying for the 2027 Nations Cup.
Earlier in the day, Guinea-Bissau recorded a 2-0 win over Tanzania to go top of Group L.
The Super Eagles will be back in action on Tuesday against Guinea-Bissau in an away clash.
