Sports
Super Eagles begin AFCON 2027 qualifiers with 2-1 win over Madagascar
Nigeria completed the comeback in the 65th minute when Usor scored to put the Super Eagles 2-1 ahead.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar.
Debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scored for Nigeria, while E. Kari netted Madagascar’s only goal.
Madagascar took the lead in the 16th minute after Kari converted a pass from R. Ponti to put the hosts ahead.
The Super Eagles, however, responded before the break, with Ilenikhena scoring in the first minute of added time to restore parity and make it 1-1 at half-time.
Alex Iwobi provided the assist for the equaliser.
Nigeria completed the comeback in the 65th minute when Usor scored to put the Super Eagles 2-1 ahead.
Semi Ajayi supplied the assist for Usor’s goal.
The result gives Eric Chelle’s side three points from their opening Group L fixture as Nigeria begin their bid to qualify for the 2027 AFCON tournament.
The match was particularly significant for Ilenikhena and Usor, who are among the new players introduced into the senior national team by Chelle for the qualifying campaign.
Both received their first Super Eagles call-ups for the September fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria will next face Guinea-Bissau on September 29 as the Super Eagles continue their Group L campaign.
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