Nigeria’s Super Eagles began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign on a winning note after coming from behind to defeat Madagascar 2-1 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.

The victory was particularly memorable for debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor, who scored in either half to overturn Madagascar’s early advantage and hand Nigeria three valuable points in Group L.

Madagascar stunned the home crowd by taking the lead after a swift counter-attacking move caught the Nigerian defence off guard, leaving goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali with little chance.

Nigeria responded strongly and found the equaliser in the first minute of added time before the break, with Ilenikhena finishing off the move to mark his Super Eagles debut with a goal.

The 19-year-old’s strike restored parity and sent both teams into the dressing room at 1-1.

After the restart, Nigeria stepped up the pressure as captain Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi helped the hosts take greater control of the midfield.

The sustained pressure eventually produced the winning goal when another debutant, Usor, found the back of the net in the second half to complete Nigeria’s comeback.

The result gives coach Eric Chelle’s side three points from their opening Group L fixture and provides the Super Eagles with an early boost in their bid to secure qualification for the 2027 AFCON.

Nigeria will now turn their attention to their next qualifier against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29. Madagascar will host Tanzania on the same day.

The Super Eagles began the qualifiers without injured striker Victor Osimhen, who was ruled out of the opening fixtures.

Following Friday’s results, Nigeria sit second in Group L with three points, level with Guinea-Bissau but behind the leaders on goal difference. Tanzania and Madagascar are yet to record a point.