Two debutants, George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor, scored as Nigeria came from behind to defeat Madagascar 2-1 in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Friday.
Madagascar stunned the home crowd when Ehsan Kari opened the scoring in the 15th minute, putting the Barea ahead against a Nigeria side seeking a winning start to their qualifying campaign.
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Nigeria responded just before halftime through Ilenikhena, who marked his senior international debut with a crucial equaliser in the first-half stoppage time.
The 20-year-old forward, who plays for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, was one of the new faces handed a first senior invitation by head coach Éric Chelle.
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His goal ensured the Super Eagles went into the break level at 1-1 after Madagascar had frustrated the hosts for much of the opening period.
Nigeria continued to press after the restart and completed the comeback in the 65th minute when another debutant, Usor, put the Super Eagles ahead for the first time.
The LASK winger’s goal capped an impressive introduction to international football for two of Chelle’s new invitees.
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The victory gives Nigeria an important three points at the start of their Group L campaign, with the Super Eagles now turning their attention to their second qualifying fixture against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, 29 September.
The match was also a significant occasion for Moses Simon, who was in line to make his 100th senior appearance for Nigeria.
The Nigeria Football Federation had announced plans to honour Simon if he reached the milestone against Madagascar.
Nigeria entered the game without Victor Osimhen, who was ruled out after failing to recover fully from a muscle injury. Taiwo Awoniyi was brought into the squad as his replacement.
READ ALSO: Super Eagles ready for win against Madagascar, Chelle assures Nigerians
Madagascar’s early goal briefly raised memories of their famous 2-0 victory over Nigeria at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
The Barea, who reached the quarter-finals of that tournament, again showed their ability to trouble the Super Eagles before Nigeria’s debutants turned the match around.
Ilenikhena and Usor’s goals ultimately gave Chelle a winning start to his side’s latest AFCON qualifying campaign.
Nigeria 2-1 Madagascar
Goals: Ehsan Kari 15′; George Ilenikhena 45+1′, Moses Usor 65′.
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