It was the perfect start to life in the Super Eagles for George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor as their goals inspired Nigeria to a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in their opening Group L 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo on Friday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The Super Eagles were forced to come from behind after Madagascar stunned the home crowd in the 16th minute. Ehsan Kari put the Barea ahead after connecting with Rayan Ponti’s delivery, leaving Nigeria with an early deficit to overturn.
Nigeria gradually grew into the contest and eventually found the breakthrough they needed in first-half stoppage time.
Ilenikhena, making his senior international debut after receiving his first Super Eagles invitation from head coach Éric Chelle, restored parity with a close-range finish following a clever pass from Alex Iwobi.
The 20-year-old Al-Ittihad striker had spoken earlier in the week about his excitement at representing Nigeria for the first time, and he marked the occasion by scoring his first goal for the senior national team.
Nigeria returned from the interval with greater purpose and eventually completed the turnaround in the 65th minute.
Usor, another player making his Super Eagles debut, produced a moment of individual quality to put Nigeria ahead. The LASK forward received the ball from Semi Ajayi, beat two Madagascar players before finishing past goalkeeper Geordan Dupire.
The two debutants therefore provided both goals as Chelle’s team recovered from a difficult opening to claim all three points.
The victory gives Nigeria three points from their opening Group L fixture as they begin their pursuit of qualification for the 2027 AFCON finals in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
The result also represents an important response after Madagascar famously defeated Nigeria 2-0 at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt. The Super Eagles had previously beaten the Barea 2-0 in both legs of their 2012 AFCON qualifying tie.
Chelle’s side will not have much time to celebrate, however, with Nigeria scheduled to travel to Guinea-Bissau for their second Group L qualifier on September 29.
The Super Eagles will now hope the impressive debut performances of Ilenikhena and Usor can provide further attacking options as they continue their campaign for a place at the 2027 continental championship.