After one serious opening match for Uyo, the Nigeria vs Madagascar result don bring small relief to Super Eagles fans as Nigeria start their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying journey with a 2-1 comeback win for Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Friday evening.
George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor na the two guys wey carry the day for Eric Chelle side, as both players score for their Super Eagles debut to turn the game around after Madagascar take early lead, na weytin Hitvibz dey yan be dat.
Nigeria vs Madagascar Result: Ilenikhena Scores for Super Eagles Debut
From the first whistle, the Super Eagles enter the game with fire, keeping the ball, controlling the match and trying to put Madagascar under pressure. But the visitors sit back, waiting for chance to catch Nigeria on counter.
Nigeria create some early chances to score first, but the players no fit make good use of them. Those missed chances later come back to worry the Eagles when Madagascar shock everybody for the 15th minute.
The visitors play short corner before sending the ball inside the box. Two Madagascar players beat the offside trap, giving Ehsan Kari chance to nod the ball into the net and put his team ahead.
Even as Nigeria dey behind, the Super Eagles no give up. The team continue to control the game and push forward to find equaliser.
Nigeria think say dem don level the match for the 34th minute when Alex Iwobi put the ball inside the net. But the referee cancel the goal after Akor Adams was judged to have disturbed the Madagascar goalkeeper.
The home team continue to press, and their hard work finally begin to pay off as the first half dey come to an end.
After two minutes of added time, George Ilenikhena show serious quality to bring Nigeria back into the game.
Alex Iwobi send one fine pass wey cut through the Madagascar defence and put Ilenikhena through on goal. The young forward use him speed take leave the defenders behind before calmly placing the ball inside the bottom corner.
The goalkeeper manage touch the ball small, but e no fit stop am from entering the net.
Na special way for Ilenikhena to announce himself for international football, especially as he come replace injured Victor Osimhen, wey no fit play for the qualifiers.
The equaliser mean say both teams enter half-time with the score level at 1-1.
Nigeria vs Madagascar Result: Moses Usor Finish the Comeback
After the second half start, Nigeria continue to search for another goal. Eric Chelle bring Moses Usor into the game shortly after the one-hour mark, as the LASK forward replace Samuel Chukwueze.
Usor no waste time before showing the fans wetin he fit do.
After Semi Ajayi give am the ball, Usor collect possession close to the left side of the penalty box. The forward show good ball control as he dribble past one defender, beat another one and create space to shoot.
He then fire one low shot wey pass the Madagascar goalkeeper and put Nigeria 2-1 ahead.
Usor goal complete the Super Eagles comeback and give the young player a beautiful beginning to his international career.
Nigeria dey lose 1-0 for the first half, but two players making their debut step up at the right time and help the team turn the game around.
The Super Eagles manage hold their lead till the final whistle to collect all three points for their first 2027 AFCON qualifying match.
Super Eagles Still Get Strong Record Against Madagascar
With this victory, Nigeria don now record four wins and one draw from their five AFCON qualifying meetings with Madagascar.
The result give Eric Chelle team a good beginning to their Group L campaign as dem prepare for their next qualifying match.
The Super Eagles go return to action against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29, for their next Group L encounter.
Last Updated on September 25, 2026 8:04 pm by Hitvibz Media
Nigeria vs Madagascar Result: George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor Fire Super Eagles Comeback
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