George Ilenikhena announced himself on the international stage with a debut goal as Nigeria came from behind to beat Madagascar 2-1 in a frantic opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Footynaija reports.
The Super Eagles entered their Group L campaign without injured Victor Osimhen, but Eric Chelle’s side were forced to dig deep after Madagascar delivered an early shock. Osimhen was ruled out of Nigeria’s opening two qualifiers after suffering a muscle injury while playing for Galatasaray.
Madagascar struck in the 16th minute through an Ehsan Kari header, leaving Nigeria chasing the game.
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Ademola Lookman almost produced an immediate response, but his fierce effort was blocked before Alex Iwobi appeared to have restored parity. The midfielder’s finish was ruled out after Akor Adams was penalised for a foul on the Madagascar goalkeeper.
Nigeria kept pushing, and their persistence finally told on the stroke of half-time.
Ilenikhena, handed his first Super Eagles appearance after receiving his maiden senior call-up from Chelle, fired Nigeria level to give the hosts a crucial lift before the interval.
Usor produces moment of magic to complete comeback
Madagascar nearly reclaimed the lead seven minutes after the restart, only for Stanley Nwabali to produce a vital one-on-one save that kept Nigeria alive.
Akor Adams then dragged an effort wide with his weaker left foot, while Lookman was denied again after carving out space around the edge of the box. Nigeria also came close from a set piece, with Madagascar’s goalkeeper making another important intervention.
Chelle turned to experience and fresh legs on the hour, sending on Moses Simon for his 100th Nigeria appearance and handing Moses Usor his senior debut. Samuel Chukwueze and Adams made way.
Usor immediately threatened and narrowly missed the target from Simon’s cross. Four minutes after entering the pitch, however, the LASK forward produced a moment of individual brilliance.
Nigeria survived a Madagascar corner before Oluwasemilogo Ajayi headed the ball clear. Usor controlled it on his chest inside Nigeria’s half, accelerated towards goal and held off two defenders before drilling a left-footed shot into the near post for 2-1.
Chelle then introduced Taiwo Awoniyi and Tolu Arokodare with 20 minutes left as Nigeria searched for breathing room.
Arokodare struck the post in the 74th minute after another incisive Iwobi pass, while Usor later scuffed an opportunity to add a third.
Madagascar survived the late onslaught, but Nigeria held on for three precious points.
Guinea-Bissau had earlier beaten Tanzania 2-0, meaning Nigeria’s next Group L assignment carries immediate significance.
The Super Eagles travel to Morocco on Tuesday to face Guinea-Bissau in their second qualifier.
