How Super Eagles rallied past Madagascar 2-1 in AFCON qualifier

The Super Eagles of Nigeria fought back from an early deficit to beat Madagascar 2-1 in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match in Uyo on Friday.

The Group L encounter, played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, saw Nigeria concede first before debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor turned the game around.

Madagascar stunned the home crowd in the 15th minute when defender Ehsan Kari rose to head home from a corner kick and put the visitors ahead.

Nigeria responded with sustained pressure but failed to capitalise on several opportunities before Ilenikhena, making his debut for the Super Eagles, restored parity in the 45th minute.

The teams went into the interval level at 1-1.

Head coach Eric Chelle made changes after the restart as Nigeria searched for the winning goal, and the substitutions yielded results in the 74th minute when another debutant, Moses Usor, put the Super Eagles ahead.

Madagascar pressed for an equaliser as the match entered its closing stages, but Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali produced an important save to deny the visitors’ captain in a one-on-one situation.

Nigeria held on to secure the three points, although Chelle expressed dissatisfaction with aspects of his team’s display.

The coach said the Super Eagles created opportunities but were let down by their finishing before a defensive error handed Madagascar the advantage.

“Technically, we weren’t very good. That’s why we fought back to level the score. I loved the state of mind of my players.

“They gave everything for the jersey and the country, and I was very happy because this team wants to bring something new,” Chelle said.

Chelle also praised Nwabali for his crucial intervention and acknowledged the difficulty of the encounter, noting that Madagascar had produced a strong performance.

“I am happy, but we have another game in a few days and we have to work on our game project and improve,” he said.

He added that the team would continue to develop as the new players become more integrated into the squad.

The match was also significant for Moses Simon, who marked his 100th appearance for Nigeria. The winger expressed gratitude to God, Chelle, the media and Nigerians for their support.

Madagascar head coach Corentin Martins, speaking through an interpreter, said his side would be disappointed with the outcome after having opportunities to extend its lead.

“We had an opportunity to make it 2-1, but we failed to take our chance. We scored from the corner kick, which was part of our game plan.

“When you play against a highly tactical side like Nigeria with good players, you need to give your best. Unfortunately, our best wasn’t good enough,” Martins said.

He said fatigue affected his players and made it difficult for them to protect their advantage.

Following the result, Guinea-Bissau lead Group L on three points, with Nigeria also on three points. Tanzania are third, while Madagascar remain bottom without a point.

The victory gives Nigeria an important start to the qualifying campaign as the Super Eagles continue their push for a place at the 2027 AFCON.