Usor The Hero as Nigeria Fight Back to Beat Madagascar

Nigeria began their bid to reach the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo on Friday.

The Super Eagles fell behind in the 16th minute when Madagascar defender Ehsan Kari beat Nigeria’s offside trap to head home from close range following a cleverly worked short-corner routine.

The early setback put Eric Chelle’s side under pressure, with Nigeria struggling to find the finishing touch despite creating opportunities at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

But the hosts finally found a way through in first-half stoppage time.

George Ilenikhena raced onto a through ball from Alex Iwobi before keeping his composure to slot a low finish inside the left-hand post and restore parity.

The 20-year-old was handed the No.9 shirt in the absence of injured Victor Osimhen and celebrated his first competitive goal for the Super Eagles in style, with Osimhen watching from the stands.

Nigeria completed the turnaround midway through the second half when debutant Moses Usor produced a moment of individual brilliance.

The LASK winger, introduced only four minutes earlier for Samuel Chukwueze, collected the ball on the right, drove into the box and cut inside two defenders before firing a low left-footed shot into the near corner.

Usor’s instant impact proved decisive as Nigeria held on for three valuable points in their Group L opener.

The Super Eagles continued to push for a third goal but Madagascar stood firm, leaving Nigeria to settle for a narrow victory.

The result was particularly important given the qualification dynamics in Group L, with Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau effectively competing for one qualification place while co-hosts Tanzania already have a place at the 2027 finals.

Nigeria will return to action on Tuesday when they travel to Guinea-Bissau, who opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Tanzania earlier on Friday.