Nigeria’s Super Eagles opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar on Thursday.
Madagascar took the lead in the 16th minute when E. Kari converted R. Ponti’s pass to put his side ahead.
Nigeria responded in first-half stoppage time through debutant George Ilenikhena, who levelled the scores at 1-1. Alex Iwobi provided the assist for the equaliser.
The Super Eagles completed the comeback in the 65th minute when another debutant, Moses Usor, scored to give Nigeria a 2-1 lead. Semi Ajayi supplied the assist.
The victory gives Eric Chelle’s side three points from their opening Group L fixture as Nigeria begin their campaign to qualify for the 2027 AFCON tournament.
The match also marked the senior international debuts of Ilenikhena and Usor, who received their first Super Eagles call-ups for the September fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria will face Guinea-Bissau on September 29 in their next Group L fixture.