Super Eagles of Nigeria began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday.
Gatekeepers News reports that Nigeria fell behind in the 16th minute when Madagascar took advantage of a set-piece situation to open the scoring.
The Super Eagles pushed for an equaliser and eventually levelled shortly before half-time through George Ilenikhena, who marked his international debut with a goal.
Ilenikhena finished an Alex Iwobi pass inside the box to bring Nigeria back into the game and give the 18-year-old a memorable start to his senior international career.
Madagascar threatened to regain the lead after the break, but Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made an important save to keep the score level.
Coach Eric Chelle introduced Moses Usor as a substitute, and the forward also made an immediate impact on his debut.
Usor completed Nigeria’s comeback with the winning goal after leading a counter-attack and finishing at the near post.
The victory gave Nigeria three points in Group L and provided a positive start to the Super Eagles’ qualifying campaign.
The result was also notable as Ilenikhena and Usor became the first pair of players to score on their Super Eagles debuts in the same match, according to the report.
Nigeria will next face Guinea-Bissau away from home on September 29 in their second Group L qualifying fixture.
