Nigeria’s Super Eagles came from behind to defeat Madagascar 2-1 in their opening fixture of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Group L encounter played on Friday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo saw the Barea take a shock lead before two debutants turned the game around for Eric Chelle’s side.
Madagascar went ahead in the 16th minute through E. Kari, who finished off a pass from R. Ponti to silence the home crowd. Despite dominating possession, Nigeria struggled to break down a compact Malagasy defence in the early exchanges.
The equaliser finally arrived on the stroke of half-time. Alex Iwobi, who was later named Man of the Match on his 101st appearance for Nigeria, provided the assist for George Ilenikhena to head home in first-half stoppage time, making it 1-1.
Chelle introduced Moses Usor after the hour mark for his senior debut, and the substitution paid off immediately. In the 65th minute, Usor drove at the Madagascar backline, with Semi Ajayi providing the build-up, to put Nigeria 2-1 ahead and complete the comeback.
The result gives Nigeria three points from their first Group L game as they begin their bid to qualify for the 2027 AFCON. Guinea-Bissau also started with a 2-0 win over Tanzania in the same group.
Madagascar coach Corentin Martins said afterwards that his side did not deserve to lose, admitting the defeat was hard to take after missing a chance to go 2-1 up.
Nigeria will next face Guinea-Bissau on September 29 as the qualifiers continue.
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