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.

The Super Eagles fell behind in the 16th minute when Ehsan Kari put Madagascar in front, but debutant George Ilenikhena equalised in first-half stoppage time before another debutant, Moses Usor, completed the turnaround in the 65th minute.

Madagascar strike first in Uyo

Nigeria entered the opening Group L fixture looking to make home advantage count, but Madagascar disrupted that plan by taking an early lead. Kari's 16th-minute goal left the hosts chasing the match and gave the visitors something to protect.

The response came before the interval. Ilenikhena, making his senior international debut, found the equaliser in stoppage time to send the sides into the break level at 1-1.

Usor completes Nigeria's comeback

Nigeria's decisive moment arrived after the hour. Usor came on and scored in the 65th minute, giving the Super Eagles a 2-1 lead that they protected through the remainder of the contest.

It was a notable opening qualifier for Nigeria because both goals came from players marking their senior international debuts. The result gave the Super Eagles three points after a match in which they had been forced to recover from an early setback.

How Group L stands after Matchday One

Guinea-Bissau also opened their qualifying campaign with a victory, beating Tanzania 2-0. That result leaves Guinea-Bissau ahead of Nigeria on goal difference after the first round of Group L matches.

With the top places still to be decided over the qualifying campaign, Nigeria's opening win provides an important foundation but does not settle the group. The Super Eagles will need to build on the result as the schedule continues.

Nigeria turn attention to Guinea-Bissau

Nigeria's next qualifier is against Guinea-Bissau on 29 September. The fixture brings together the two teams that collected maximum points on Matchday One and offers an early opportunity to shape the top of the group.

For the Super Eagles, the immediate positives from Uyo are the three points and the impact of Ilenikhena and Usor. Madagascar, meanwhile, leave the opening fixture without a point despite taking the lead.

Key takeaways

  • Madagascar took a 16th-minute lead through Ehsan Kari.
  • George Ilenikhena equalised in first-half stoppage time on his Nigeria debut.
  • Substitute debutant Moses Usor scored Nigeria's winner in the 65th minute.
  • Nigeria next face Guinea-Bissau on 29 September.