By Oxford reporters
Nigeria’s Super Eagles came from behind to defeat Madagascar 2-1 on Friday, making a winning start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Madagascar shocked the home side by taking an early lead, putting Nigeria under pressure and forcing the Super Eagles to chase the game.
Nigeria responded before the break, with George Ilenikhena finding the equaliser to restore parity and give the hosts renewed confidence going into the second half.
The Super Eagles returned from the interval with greater urgency as they pushed forward in search of the winning goal.
Their persistence eventually paid off when Moses Usor, introduced as a substitute, found the back of the net to complete Nigeria’s comeback and put the hosts ahead.
Madagascar attempted to respond in the closing stages, but Nigeria defended their advantage to secure all three points.
The victory gives the Super Eagles an important start to their qualifying campaign, while the performances of debutants Ilenikhena and Usor provided further positives for head coach Eric Chelle.
Nigeria will now look ahead to their next qualifying fixture as the race for a place at the 2027 AFCON tournament continues.
