The Super Eagles of Nigeria kicked off their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2–1 comeback victory against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, 2026. Playing without striker Victor Osimhen due to injury, head coach Éric Chelle handed starting spots to new talent in the attacking line.
Madagascar silenced the home crowd early by catching the Nigerian defense off guard. In the 15th minute, Emmanuel Kari met a cross from Rayan Ponti to head the visitors into a 1–0 lead. Nigeria pushed forward in search of an answer, dominating possession and territorial control. Alex Iwobi saw an effort disallowed in the 34th minute after a foul in the box by Akor Adams.
The breakthrough arrived in first-half injury time (45+1′) through 20-year-old forward George Ilenikhena. Making his senior international debut for Nigeria following his strong club form with Al-Ittihad, Ilenikhena collected a pass from Alex Iwobi and swept a left-footed strike past the Malagasy goalkeeper to make it 1–1 before the break.
Nigeria maintained their attack in the second half, supported by control from Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi in midfield. The winning goal came in the 65th minute from fellow debutant Moses Usor, who had replaced Samuel Chukwueze four minutes earlier. Usor latched onto a pass from Semi Ajayi inside the box and finished low into the net to complete the turnaround.
The Super Eagles managed the remaining minutes and held on to record 22 total shots and 55 percent possession, securing all three points in their Group L opener. Nigeria now sit second in Group L on goal difference behind Guinea-Bissau, who defeated Tanzania 2–0. Nigeria travel to face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
