Nigeria began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo on Friday, recovering from an early setback to secure three points.
The Super Eagles were caught cold by Madagascar, ranked 104th in the world, when Ehsan Kari headed the visitors in front after 16 minutes. The effort exposed uncertainty in the Nigerian defence and left goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali unable to intervene.
Nigeria had controlled much of the play before conceding and continued to dominate possession as they searched for a response. Their persistence was rewarded in first-half added time when George Ilenikhena made an intelligent run into space and collected a through-ball from Alex Iwobi.
The 20-year-old forward was given time to compose himself and finished with confidence to restore parity before the interval.
Nigeria continued to press after the break, with manager Eric Chelle making two changes. Akor Adams and Samuel Chukwueze were replaced by Moses Simon and Moses Usor as the Super Eagles looked for a second goal.
Usor made an immediate impact on his Nigeria debut. Four minutes after coming on, he won a one-on-one duel and drove the ball into the net at the near post to put the hosts ahead.
The game produced few further clear-cut opportunities. Nigeria’s lightly staffed midfield held firm, although Chelle will have been relieved when Chadian referee Alhadi Mahamat brought the match to an end.
The victory gives Nigeria a winning start, but they are already behind Guinea Bissau in Group L after Guinea Bissau defeated Tanzania 2-0.
Nigeria’s next match is a crucial Group L meeting with Guinea Bissau on Tuesday.
Nigeria starting XI: Stanley Nwabali, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bruno Onyemaechi, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, George Ilenikhena, Akor Adams.
Substitutes: Moses Simon, Moses Usor, Taiwo Awoniyi, Arokodare, Bright Osayi-Samuel.