Nigeria recovered from an early setback to defeat Madagascar 2–1 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, 25 September. The result gives the Super Eagles three points from their opening Group L match in qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Madagascar went ahead in the 16th minute through Emmanuel Kari, forcing Nigeria to chase the game in front of the home crowd. The visitors' lead also revived an uncomfortable memory: Madagascar beat Nigeria 2–0 at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. This time, the response came before the interval.
Two first appearances, two decisive goals
George Ilenikhena, making his competitive senior debut, equalised in first-half stoppage time after Alex Iwobi supplied the opening. Ilenikhena had been one of the newcomers named in the squad for the two September qualifiers and converted his first major opportunity into an immediate contribution.
Moses Usor, another debutant, completed the comeback in the 65th minute. Match reports credited Semi Ajayi with the assist as Usor headed Nigeria in front. The two scorers gave coach Eric Chelle a timely answer on a night when injured striker Victor Osimhen was unavailable.
Nigeria created far more attempts than Madagascar—22 to four in the reviewed match report—and finished with 54.6 percent possession. Those numbers show territorial control, but the early goal conceded and the time needed to turn pressure into a lead leave useful work for the coaching staff before the next fixture.
What the result means
The Super Eagles travel to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, 29 September. The NFF had said before the Uyo match that transport plans were in place for the short turnaround. A second win would strengthen Nigeria's position before the qualifying calendar resumes.
Group L is unusual because Tanzania, one of the three co-hosts of the 2027 tournament, is already assured of a finals place. CAF says the highest-placed non-host team in the group qualifies directly, which makes points against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau especially valuable.
For now, the verified achievement is a 2–1 comeback and a winning start—not qualification. The value of the night lies in three points, two scorers making memorable senior entrances, and a reminder that Nigeria still had to solve problems after falling behind at home.
