AFCON 2025
The Super Eagles began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with three points, but not without a scare.
Madagascar took the lead in Uyo, Nigeria struggled to impose themselves in the opening stages, and for long periods the visitors looked capable of leaving with something to show for their efforts.
Instead, Nigeria came from behind to win 2–1, with George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scoring on their senior debuts.
It was a comeback victory, three points in the bag and a useful early warning about what lies ahead in Group L.
Here are three things Friday night’s game taught us.
1. Nigeria can survive without Osimhen
Victor Osimhen was absent, but the Super Eagles still found a way to score twice.
More importantly, both goals came from players making their senior international debuts.
George Ilenikhena provided the first response.
After Nigeria had seen an earlier goal ruled out following a foul on the goalkeeper by Akor Adams, the pressure around the stadium was beginning to grow. Madagascar had taken the lead and Nigeria needed something before the break.
Alex Iwobi found Ilenikhena with a well-timed pass in first-half stoppage time, and the Al-Ittihad forward finished decisively to level the game at 1–1.
It was the sort of moment that can change the atmosphere around a young player. Rather than looking overwhelmed by his first appearance for Nigeria, Ilenikhena delivered when the team needed him.
Introduced for Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Usor produced the decisive moment of the night in the 65th minute.
Semi Ajayi’s clearance found Usor inside Nigeria’s half. He drove forward, beat two Madagascar players and finished with his left foot at the near post.
2. Nigeria’s opening 20 minutes remain a concern
The comeback should not hide the problem that came before it.
Madagascar took the lead in the 16th minute through Ehsan Kari, who headed home from a set-piece situation after Ryan Ponti’s delivery.
Nigeria’s defensive line failed to deal with the movement and the delivery, leaving Kari with the opportunity to attack the ball.
For a few minutes, Uyo was reminded of an uncomfortable piece of recent history: Madagascar’s 2–0 victory over Nigeria at the 2019 AFCON.
Friday’s game was very different, but the early warning was familiar.
Nigeria had plenty of possession, yet possession did not automatically translate into control.
The Super Eagles were able to recover because they eventually increased the pressure, Iwobi continued to influence the game and the substitutes made an impact.
But there was another important moment after the break.
Nwabali produced a crucial save in a one-on-one situation that prevented Madagascar from extending their lead.
Had that gone in, Nigeria’s comeback would have become considerably more difficult.
That save matters because it is easy to focus on the goalscorers after a 2–1 victory. The goalkeeper played his part in keeping the game alive long enough for the comeback to happen.
Nigeria therefore won because they recovered from a poor start, not because they controlled the match from the opening whistle.
Against stronger and more disciplined opponents, those early lapses could carry a heavier price.
3. Three points in Uyo does not mean Nigeria have control of Group L
The Super Eagles did the most important thing on Friday: they won their opening qualifier.
But the result does not give Nigeria breathing room.
Guinea-Bissau also began their campaign with a victory, beating Tanzania 2–0.
That result puts pressure on Nigeria immediately, with the Super Eagles now preparing for a trip to Bissau on Tuesday.
Tanzania’s position in the group is different because they are co-hosts of AFCON 2027 alongside Kenya and Uganda and already have their place at the tournament.
That leaves Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar competing for the remaining qualification place from Group L.
And that makes Tuesday’s fixture particularly important.
Nigeria have already seen what Madagascar can do when given an early advantage. Guinea-Bissau have now shown that they can collect points at home.
The Super Eagles cannot afford to treat the away fixture as simply another match on the calendar.
Chelle has only a few days to work with his players before the trip to Bissau. He must address the slow start, assess whether Ilenikhena has done enough to earn another opportunity from the beginning and find a way to make Nigeria more secure without taking away the attacking threat that eventually won the game.
Scoreline: Ehsan Kari 16′ — George Ilenikhena 45+1′, Moses Usor 65′
Next: Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria — Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
