Nigeria’s Super Eagles began their 2027 Africa Cup of
Nations qualifying campaign with a 2–1 comeback victory over Madagascar.
Madagascar took an early lead in the 16th minute when
Ehsan Kari headed the ball past Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Nigeria struggled to create clear-cut chances in the
opening stages, with their first notable effort coming in the 28th minute when
they tested Madagascar goalkeeper Geordan Dupire from the right flank. Wilfred
Ndidi also came close a minute later but headed his effort over the crossbar.
The Super Eagles thought they had levelled in the 33rd
minute when Alex Iwobi found the net from inside the penalty area. However, the
goal was disallowed after the referee ruled that Akor Adams had fouled Dupire
in the build-up.
Nigeria eventually found their equaliser just before
half-time through debutant George Ilenikhena. The Al Ittihad forward received a
pass from Iwobi before firing the ball into the net to make it 1–1.
The Super Eagles returned from the break with greater
attacking purpose and put increased pressure on the Malagasy defence. Nigeria
recorded 21 touches inside Madagascar’s penalty area early in the second half,
compared with just three for their opponents.
Madagascar briefly threatened to regain the lead in
the 51st minute, but Nwabali dealt comfortably with Rayan Raveloson’s attempt.
Coach Eric Chelle made his first substitutions in the
61st minute, introducing Moses Usor and Moses Simon for Samuel Chukwueze and
Akor Adams.
The changes paid off almost immediately as Usor made
an instant impact, scoring Nigeria’s second goal shortly after coming on to
give the Super Eagles a 2–1 advantage.
Chelle later added more attacking options, bringing on
Taiwo Awoniyi and Tolu Arokodare in the 69th minute as Nigeria looked to
protect their lead and secure the victory.
The Super Eagles held on until the final whistle to
claim all three points and open their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign with a
win.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be jointly hosted
by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
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