Nigeria’s Super Eagles came from behind to defeat Madagascar 2-1 in their opening Group L fixture of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, with goals from Gift Ilenikhena and Moses Usor securing all three points for the hosts.
Madagascar stunned the home crowd in the 16th minute when Emmanuel Kari capitalised on an early opportunity to put the visitors ahead and hand Nigeria an unexpected setback.
The Super Eagles responded positively, dominating possession and creating several chances in search of an equaliser. Their persistence paid off deep into first-half stoppage time when Gift Ilenikhena found the back of the net in the 46th minute after being set up by Alex Iwobi, sending both teams into the break level at 1-1.
Nigeria continued to dictate play after the restart and completed the comeback in the 65th minute. Moses Usor fired home the winning goal from a Semi Ajayi assist to give the Super Eagles a deserved lead.
Madagascar struggled to threaten Nigeria’s defence in the closing stages as the hosts maintained control of the contest and comfortably saw out the victory.
Match statistics highlighted Nigeria’s superiority throughout the encounter. The Super Eagles enjoyed 54.7 per cent possession, registered 22 shots compared to Madagascar’s four, and recorded four shots on target against the visitors’ lone effort.
Nigeria also posed a constant attacking threat with 35 touches inside Madagascar’s penalty area, while the visitors managed only six.
The victory hands the Super Eagles three points from their opening Group L match and provides a strong start to their quest for qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. With the comeback win, the three-time African champions have laid an early marker in the race for a place at the continental tournament.
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