AFCON Qualifier: Debutants Ilenikhena, Usor fire Nigeria to 2-1 over Madagascar - Punch Newspapers
Nigeria’s Super Eagles began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday. The victory was made more significant by goals from debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor, who scored in either half to overturn Madagascar’s early lead. Madagascar struck first after capitalising on a quick transition to beat goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and silence the home crowd. Nigeria responded before half-time, with Ilenikhena scoring in the first minute of added time to restore parity and mark his senior Super Eagles debut with a goal. Ilenikhena | Pooja La Photos The equaliser sent the teams into the break level at 1-1. After the restart, Nigeria increased the pressure, with captain Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi helping the hosts dominate proceedings in midfield. AFCON Qualifiers: Super Eagles ready for Madagascar test — Chelle Nigeria, Germany deepen talks on steel, technology transfer UNIUYO to monetise sports with new policy — VC The sustained pressure eventually paid off as Usor found the decisive goal in the second half to complete Nigeria’s comeback and give the Super Eagles all three points. The result gives Eric Chelle’s side a winning start to their Group L campaign.See more Punch stories on Google.Add Punch on Google Nigeria will next travel to face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29, while Madagascar will host Tanzania on the same day. The Super Eagles will be without the services of Victor Osimhen for the opening qualifiers after the striker was ruled out with injury. Nigeria sit second in Group L with three points, the same as leaders Guinea-Bissau, who are ahead on goal difference. Tanzania and Madagascar are currently without a point. Tosin Oyediran Tosin Oyediran is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over eight years of professional experience in reporting and storytelling. He is known for conducting incisive interviews and producing compelling human-angle stories that bring clarity and depth to the news. Tosin covers a broad range of beats including politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment, with a strong focus on people-centred reporting. His work reflects firsthand newsroom experience, editorial insight, and a commitment to accurate, engaging, and trustworthy journalism.
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