It was the best of debuts for George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor as the duo’s strikes saw the Super Eagles come from a goal down to beat Madagascar 2-1, in their first Group L 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in Uyo on Friday, completesport.com reports.
The win means the Super Eagles maintained their AFCON qualifying dominance over Madagascar with four wins and one draw.
Head coach Eric Chelle included Ilenikhena in the starting lineup for his debut while Moses Simon made his 100th appearance.
Also, Stanley Nwabali made his first outing for the Super Eagles since January at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, while Taiwo Awoniyi and Tolu Arokodare made comebacks to the team after being away.
With the victory, the Eagles are second in Group L while Guinea-Bissau, who beat Tanzania 2-0 away, are top.
Up next for the Eagles is an away fixture against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29.
Also Read: AFCON 2027Q: ‘We’re Motivated’ — Madagascar Coach Eyes Positive Result Against Super Eagles
The Super Eagles bossed the early exchanges but the Madagascar backline held firm.
In the 4th minute Wilfred Ndidi had the Super Eagles first attempt but saw his header from close range go just over the bar.
Madagascar then went on the counter but Alex Iwobi made a timely block for a corner.
Madagascar then took a shock lead on 16 minutes as Kari Eshan beat the offside trap to nod home a well taken cross.
In the 25th minute Madagascar captain Rayan Raveloson tried a long range shot but saw his effort go just wide off target.
A minute later Ndidi hit a low left foot shot which went narrowly off target.
On the half hour mark Ndidi had a big chance to make it 1-1 but saw his close range header, from Iwobi’s cross go just over the bar.
The Super Eagles thought they had equalised after Iwobi had the ball in the net but it was ruled out for a foul on the keeper by Akor Adams.
But one into the first half added time Ilenikhena made it 1-1 as he ran on to Iwobi’s through pass and slotted past the keeper.
Just like in the first half, the Super Eagles started the second half on the front foot but could not find a way past the visitors’ backline.
Then in the 51st minute Madagascar almost went in front again after their captain Raveloson was played through on goal but a well composed Nwabali went down to palm the ball off his feet.
Also Read: 2027 AFCONQ: How Super Eagles Fared In Five Recent Matches Against Madagascar
Chelle then made two changes as he brought on Usor and Moses Simon, with the former almost marking his debut with a goal but could not direct a cross towards goal.
But Usor eventual got on the score sheet with a brilliant solo goal. He ran on to the ball on the left, beat two his markers and hit a low left foot strike past the keeper.
Another substitute Tolu Arokodare had a chance to extend the lead on 74 minutes but saw his left foot shot hit the post.
Just four minutes later Awoniyi got on to a pass from the right but his intended cross for Arokodare was stopped by the keeper.
In the 90th minute Iwobi made a run from the left and picked out Simon inside the box but the winger’s left foot strike went way off target.
By James Agberebi
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Source: Complete Sports
