The Super Eagles got their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign off to a winning start after securing a deserved 2-1 victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Footynaija.com reports.
Eric Chelle’s men surprisingly found themselves trailing on home soil inside the first 15 minutes after a lack of intensity out of possession allowed Madagascar to send a dangerous cross into the box, with Clement Couturier heading home from close range.
Nigeria responded by increasing the tempo and continuing to dominate possession, eventually getting their reward through George Ilenikhena before half-time, before Moses Usor came off the bench to score the winner.
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Following a positive night for the Super Eagles in Uyo, here are five key takeaways from the game.
1. Super Eagles’ sluggish start
Nigeria saw plenty of the ball in the opening stages but lacked intensity both in and out of possession.
That was particularly evident when Madagascar worked the ball into the box for Couturier’s opener, with two players able to attack the cross as Nigeria failed to deal with the danger.
The Super Eagles improved after conceding and eventually found their equaliser, but their slow start will be a concern for Chelle.
2. Debut delight for Ilenikhena and Usor
George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor both marked their Super Eagles debuts with vital goals.
Ilenikhena produced a composed finish just before half-time after receiving a well-weighted pass from Alex Iwobi, while Usor delivered an even bigger moment from the bench.
The second half substitute picked up the ball inside Nigeria’s half, drove forward impressively and finished superbly to complete the comeback.
3. Poor club form follows Akor Adams to international duty
Akor Adams endured a difficult night in attack despite working hard off the ball.
The striker, who has managed just one goal in five Serie A appearances for Venezia this season, struggled to impose himself whenever Nigeria had possession.
Adams found it difficult to influence the game in the final third before eventually being substituted.
4. Eric Chelle spot on with substitutions
Chelle’s substitutions played a major role in Nigeria’s victory.
Usor came off the bench to score the winning goal, while Taiwo Awoniyi and Tolu Arokodare added more bite to the attack. Arokodare struck the post, while Awoniyi linked up well and created opportunities.
Moses Simon also caused problems after his introduction, beating his marker and delivering dangerous crosses from the right.
5. Room for improvement ahead of Guinea-Bissau
Despite securing three points, Nigeria still have plenty to improve before facing Guinea-Bissau.
Madagascar found dangerous openings at times, with Stanley Nwabali forced into an important one-on-one save. The Super Eagles also looked disjointed during certain phases.
Chelle will need his side to start games with greater intensity, press more aggressively after losing possession and prevent opponents from having the time and space to create chances.
The result gives Nigeria the perfect start, but the performance showed there is still work to be done.
