Super Eagles Rally Past Madagascar to Open AFCON 2027 Qualifying Campaign With Victory

By Angel No Lie | KPD Online | September 28, 2026

UYO, Nigeria — Nigeria’s Super Eagles began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign with a 2–1 comeback victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.

Madagascar took an early lead, but Nigeria recovered through debutant George Ilenikhena just before half-time before another debutant, Moses Usor, completed the turnaround in the second half.

Madagascar strike first

Nigeria started the match looking to control possession and create early opportunities, but Madagascar produced the opening goal in the 16th minute.

Ehsan Kari headed Madagascar ahead after the visitors worked a short-corner routine and created space inside the Nigerian penalty area. The goal forced the hosts to chase the game in front of their home supporters.

Nigeria appeared to have equalised earlier through Alex Iwobi, but the effort was ruled out after Akor Adams was penalised for a foul on Madagascar goalkeeper Geordan Dupire.

Ilenikhena restores parity

Nigeria eventually found its breakthrough in first-half stoppage time.

George Ilenikhena, making his senior international debut, connected with a pass from Alex Iwobi before finding the net to make it 1–1 at the interval.

The equaliser changed the atmosphere inside the stadium and gave Nigeria a renewed opportunity to take control of the match after a difficult opening period.

Usor completes the comeback

Nigeria continued to apply pressure after the restart and eventually moved in front in the 65th minute.

Moses Usor, another player making his Nigeria debut, received the ball on the right, drove forward and cut inside before firing a low shot into the net.

The goal put Nigeria ahead 2–1 and completed the comeback.

Three points for Chelle’s side

The victory gives Nigeria three points from their opening Group L fixture.

Head coach Éric Chelle subsequently explained that Nigeria had to adjust its approach after Madagascar adopted a compact defensive shape, making it difficult for the Super Eagles to penetrate through the centre.

The result also came with Nigeria missing striker Victor Osimhen, who was unavailable because of injury.

Madagascar’s defeat means Nigeria avoided dropping points at home in the opening match of a qualifying campaign that includes Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania in Group L. Guinea-Bissau began its campaign with a 2–0 victory over Tanzania.

Next challenge: Guinea-Bissau

Nigeria’s qualifying campaign continues on Tuesday, September 29, when the Super Eagles travel to face Guinea-Bissau.

Guinea-Bissau also collected three points in its opening fixture, making the upcoming encounter an important early Group L meeting.

For Nigeria, the comeback in Uyo provides a winning beginning to the road toward AFCON 2027, but the team will now have to carry that momentum into an away fixture against a Guinea-Bissau side that also started its campaign with a victory.