The latest Nigeria vs Madagascar clash saw the Super Eagles bounce back from an early setback to kick off their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Friday evening.
The three-time African champions started on the front foot, controlling the tempo and pressing Barea deep into their defensive third. However, early dominance counted for little when the visitors stunned the home crowd in the 15th minute.
A cleverly taken short corner allowed Madagascar to whip a cross into the 18-yard box, where Ehsan Kari broke through the offside trap to head home the opener.
The host nation responded with continuous pressure. Alex Iwobi thought he had restored parity in the 34th minute after turning the ball into the net, but the referee ruled the effort out due to an infringement by Akor Adams on the opposition goalkeeper.
Just as frustration began to build heading into stoppage time, George Ilenikhena delivered a moment of quality. Replacing the injured Victor Osimhen in the starting lineup, the Al-Ittihad forward latched onto a defense-splitting pass from Iwobi, outpaced his markers, and calmly slotted a low strike into the bottom corner to bring Eric Chelle’s men level right before the break.
The second half saw another fresh face turn match-winner. Moses Usor was introduced past the hour mark for Samuel Chukwueze, and within four minutes, the LASK forward made his mark. Collecting a pass from Semi Ajayi on the left wing, Usor skillfully beat two defenders before unleashing a precise low drive into the bottom corner to cap off a dream debut.
The 2-1 victory extends the national team’s dominant record against Barea to four wins and one draw across five AFCON qualifying meetings. The West African giants now turn their attention to Tuesday, September 29, when they travel to face Guinea-Bissau in their second Group L fixture.
