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George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor marked their Super Eagles debuts with goals as Nigeria came from behind to beat Madagascar 2-1 in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
The visitors took a surprise lead at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday when Ehsan Kari headed Ryan Ponti’s corner into the net after 16 minutes.
Nigeria responded by increasing the pressure, but Madagascar defended in numbers and frustrated the Super Eagles while remaining dangerous on the counter.
Ilenikhena restores parity
Ilenikhena went close to an equaliser before eventually finding the breakthrough shortly before half-time.
The Al Ittihad forward was played through on goal but saw his first attempt saved by Madagascar goalkeeper Geordan Dupire.
The 20-year-old was given another opportunity moments later, this time receiving a pass from Alex Iwobi before calmly placing the ball into the bottom corner to make it 1-1.
Madagascar nearly regained the lead early in the second half when Rayan Raveloson found himself through on goal.
The midfielder attempted to round Stanley Nwabali, but the Super Eagles goalkeeper stayed alert and produced an important save to prevent Madagascar from scoring again.
Nigeria continued searching for a second goal, with Akor Adams and Ademola Lookman both sending efforts wide.
Usor completes the comeback
Eric Chelle turned to his bench just after the hour mark, introducing another debutant, Moses Usor, alongside Moses Simon.
The decision paid off almost immediately.
Just four minutes after entering the game, Usor collected the ball, drove into the Madagascar penalty area and fired a low effort towards the near post to beat Dupire and put Nigeria 2-1 ahead.
The LASK forward marked his first appearance for the Super Eagles with a goal and gave Nigeria the lead for the first time in the game.
Chelle later introduced Taiwo Awoniyi and Tolu Arokodare for Lookman and Ilenikhena as Nigeria looked to protect their advantage.
Arokodare nearly made an instant impact when his effort struck the post before Dupire denied him again after another opportunity created by Moses Simon.
Madagascar pushed for an equaliser late on, but Nigeria held their position to secure all three points.
The victory leaves Nigeria second in Group L behind Guinea-Bissau, who defeated Tanzania 2-0 on goal difference.
The Super Eagles will travel to face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29, while Madagascar will meet Tanzania on the same day.