Nigeria 2-1 Madagascar: Ilenikhena, Usor Shine on Super Eagles Debut as Moses Simon Reaches 100 Caps

The Super Eagles began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.

Madagascar took the lead in the first half, but Nigeria responded through two players making their senior international debuts.

George Ilenikhena equalised for Nigeria in first-half stoppage time, marking his Super Eagles debut with a goal.

Moses Usor then completed the comeback after the break, also scoring on his senior international debut to give Nigeria all three points.

The result gives Nigeria three points from their opening Group L fixture and moves them into second place behind Guinea-Bissau, who also have three points but a superior goal difference after their 2-0 win over Tanzania.

Ilenikhena and Usor score on debut

The match was a notable one for Nigeria’s two debutants.

Ilenikhena was handed his first senior appearance for the Super Eagles and responded with an important equaliser before half-time. Usor followed with the winning goal after the break, making it two debut goals in the same competitive match.

For Ilenikhena, the goal came in first-half added time after Madagascar had taken the lead earlier in the match. Usor’s second-half strike completed Nigeria’s turnaround.

Chelle: Super Eagles Must Improve Against Low Blocks

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle admitted Nigeria were not at their best against Madagascar, pointing to an early mistake and missed chances. He praised the team’s mentality and explained that he switched formations to attack through the flanks after struggling to break down Madagascar’s compact defence.

Chelle said the substitutions were tactical, with the two Moseses brought on to add energy and improve Nigeria’s one-on-one threat. He added that the team must analyse the performance and prepare for their next AFCON 2027 qualifier against Guinea-Bissau.

Moses Simon reaches 100 caps

The match was also significant for Moses Simon, who made his 100th appearance for Nigeria.

Simon made his Super Eagles debut on 25 March 2015 against Uganda. More than 11 years later, he reached the century mark against Madagascar on 25 September 2026.

He becomes the fifth Nigerian player to reach 100 senior international appearances, joining Ahmed Musa, Vincent Enyeama, Joseph Yobo and Alex Iwobi in Nigeria’s 100-cap club.

Moses Simon

Debut: 25 March 2015
100th cap: 25 September 2026

Simon has been part of Nigeria’s senior setup across several international cycles and was also a member of the team that reached the 2023 AFCON final.

Three points to start the campaign

Nigeria’s immediate objective was to start the qualifying campaign with a positive result, and the Super Eagles achieved that despite conceding first.

The 2-1 victory puts Nigeria on three points after one match, with Guinea-Bissau currently ahead on goal difference.

The qualification picture in Group L is unusual because Tanzania have already secured their place at AFCON 2027 as one of the co-hosts. As a result, Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar are competing for the remaining qualification place.

Nigeria’s next Group L fixture is away to Guinea-Bissau on 29 September.

For now, the Super Eagles have three points, two debut goals and a new centurion to take from their opening night in Uyo.