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Nigeria recovered from a first-half deficit to secure victory in Uyo, with George Ilenikhena scoring on his senior debut.
Nigeria began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25.
The Super Eagles entered the Group L opener without injured captain? no — Victor Osimhen, who was ruled out of the opening two qualifiers with a muscle injury. CAF confirmed before the match that Osimhen would miss the fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Despite the absence of their leading striker, Eric Chelle’s side recovered from falling behind to claim all three points in their opening qualifying fixture.
Ilenikhena Levels Before Half-Time
Madagascar threatened an upset after taking the lead in the first half.
Nigeria responded with sustained pressure and eventually found an equaliser before the interval.
George Ilenikhena, one of the new players introduced into Chelle’s squad, scored to bring Nigeria level.
The goal capped a significant moment for the young forward, who received his first senior call-up for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers. CAF had identified Ilenikhena, Arthur Okonkwo and Isaac James among the players receiving their first senior invitations under Chelle.
Alex Iwobi played a key role in the equalising move, creating the opportunity for Ilenikhena to finish.
The 2-1 final score was confirmed by live match listings following the full-time whistle.
Nigeria Completes Comeback
The Super Eagles continued their efforts to control the contest after the interval as they searched for a second goal.
The hosts eventually completed the comeback to secure a 2-1 victory.
The result gives Nigeria three points from their opening Group L fixture and provides an important start to their qualification campaign.
Nigeria’s victory comes in a group that also includes Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania.
However, Tanzania has already qualified automatically for the 2027 tournament as one of the three co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda. CAF’s qualification format means the highest-placed team other than Tanzania in Group L will advance to the finals.
Chelle Relies On New Faces
Chelle’s squad for the opening qualifiers combines established Super Eagles players with several newcomers.
Ilenikhena and Moses Usor were among the players receiving their first senior call-ups, while Arthur Okonkwo and Isaac James were also brought into the senior setup.
CAF said the coach retained several established players, including Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi and captain Wilfred Ndidi.
The approach gives Chelle an opportunity to assess younger players while maintaining experienced options in key positions.
The absence of Osimhen also created an opportunity for other forwards to assume greater responsibility in the attack.
Osimhen Misses Opening Qualifiers
Osimhen’s absence was confirmed by the Nigeria Football Federation before the Madagascar fixture.
CAF reported that the striker was recovering from a muscle problem suffered while playing for Galatasaray against Başakşehir.
He was initially included in Chelle’s squad but was subsequently ruled out of the matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
CAF said his recovery period was initially expected to last at least two weeks.
His absence meant Nigeria had to begin their qualifying campaign without one of their most established attacking options.
Madagascar Came With Confidence
Madagascar entered the qualifier after reaching the final of the recent African Nations Championship.
CAF reported that coach Corentin Martins had handed first international call-ups to goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher and striker Roman Ferber, while Warren Caddy returned to the squad.
The Barea therefore arrived in Nigeria with a squad that combined new faces with players who had gained confidence from their recent continental campaign.
That background made Nigeria’s comeback particularly significant in the opening match of Group L.
Nigeria’s Next Assignment
The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to their second Group L qualifier against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29.
The fixture will be played away from home.
CAF’s official fixture list confirms Guinea-Bissau will host Nigeria at 16:00 GMT on September 29.
Madagascar will meanwhile face Tanzania in their second match.
The opening two rounds of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers are being played between September 24 and October 6, with Nigeria’s two fixtures forming part of the first two matchdays.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from June 19 to July 17, 2027.
Nigeria’s immediate task is now to build on the opening victory when they travel to Guinea-Bissau.
The 2-1 result against Madagascar gives Chelle’s team three points, while the performance also provides an early opportunity for the coach to assess his attacking options without Osimhen.
