Who are the Super Eagles Debutants That Rescued Nigeria From Madagascar Shock

The Super Eagles were forced to dig deep before securing a winning start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, coming from behind to defeat Madagascar 2-1 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.

With Victor Osimhen unavailable because of injury, attention was immediately placed on how Eric Chelle’s side would cope without their talisman.

The answer did not come easily.

Nigeria fell behind in the first half before debutant George Ilenikhena restored parity just before the break, while substitute Moses Usor completed the comeback in the second half to give the Super Eagles all three points in Group L.

The victory puts Nigeria on three points, level with Guinea-Bissau, who moved top of the group after beating Tanzania 2-0 away from home.

Madagascar Silence Uyo

Nigeria started with Stanley Nwabali in goal, protected by

1. Ola Aina,
2. Bruno Onyemaechi,
3. Semi Ajayi and
4. Calvin Bassey.

Wilfred Ndidi, making his 80th appearance for the Super Eagles, anchored the midfield, while

1. Ademola Lookman,
2. Samuel Chukwueze,
3. Alex Iwobi,
4. Akor Adams and
5. Ilenikhena

were given the responsibility of leading the attack.

The hosts enjoyed possession early on and attempted to break down Madagascar’s well-organised low block, but the visitors delivered the first major blow.

Madagascar took the lead in the 16th minute when Ehsan Kari rose to head the ball beyond Nwabali, silencing the home crowd.

Nigeria struggled to turn their possession into clear-cut opportunities, although the Super Eagles tested Geordan Dupire in the 28th minute with a shot from the right flank.

Ndidi then went close a minute later, but his header sailed over the crossbar.

Nigeria thought they had found the equaliser in the 33rd minute when Iwobi finished from inside the 18-yard box.

The goal, however, was ruled out after the referee spotted a foul by Akor Adams on Dupire.

The frustration continued until the closing moments of the half.

Debutant 1: George Ilenikhena Announces Himself

Just when Madagascar appeared set to take their lead into the interval, Ilenikhena changed the mood inside the stadium.

The Al Ittihad forward finished an Iwobi pass before driving the ball into the net in the 45th minute, with another account recording the strike as coming in the first minute of added time.

For the 19-year-old, it was a dream beginning to life with the senior national team.

His first appearance for the Super Eagles produced his first international goal and ensured Nigeria went into the break level at 1-1.

Debutant 2: Moses Usor Completes the Comeback

Nigeria returned from the interval with far greater attacking intent.

The difference in pressure was immediate, with the Super Eagles recording 21 touches inside Madagascar’s box early in the second half compared with just three for the visitors.

Madagascar briefly threatened to restore their advantage in the 51st minute, but Nwabali comfortably dealt with Rayan Raveloson.

Chelle then turned to his bench in the 61st minute, replacing Samuel Chukwueze and Akor Adams with Moses Usor and Moses Simon.

The change paid off almost instantly.

Usor needed only minutes to make his mark, putting Nigeria ahead in the 65th minute.

The forward dribbled past two Madagascar players before firing a powerful finish towards the near post and beating Dupire.

From 1-0 down, Nigeria were suddenly 2-1 ahead.

Chelle continued to strengthen his attack four minutes later, bringing on Taiwo Awoniyi and Tolu Arokodare as the Super Eagles looked to protect their advantage while maintaining pressure on the visitors.

Madagascar pushed for a late equaliser, but Nigeria held firm through the closing stages.

N. P. J. Fontaine was booked in the third minute of added time as the Barea's attempt to rescue a point ultimately failed.

A Winning Start, but Guinea-Bissau Await

The comeback gives Chelle three points from his first 2027 AFCON qualifier and allows Nigeria to begin their Group L campaign on a positive note despite the early scare.

The result is particularly significant given Madagascar’s ability to frustrate the Super Eagles and the absence of Osimhen from the opening qualifiers.

It also gives Ilenikhena and Usor memorable moments on a night when Nigeria needed new heroes.

The Super Eagles will now face Guinea-Bissau on September 29, with the Djurtus currently sitting top of Group L on goal difference after their 2-0 victory over Tanzania.

Madagascar, meanwhile, will host Tanzania on the same day.

The Uyo comeback has delivered the three points Nigeria wanted. The next challenge will be proving they can turn that hard-fought victory into momentum away from home.

The 2027 AFCON tournament will be hosted jointly by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.