Ikhana: Madagascar comeback gives Super Eagles belief for Guinea-Bissau test

Kadiri Ikhana says the Super Eagles’ 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar has given Nigeria valuable confidence before Tuesday’s away match against Guinea-Bissau in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Nigeria fell behind early in their opening Group L fixture but recovered to secure all three points at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, also known as the ‘Nest of Champions’.

Ikhana, a former Nigeria defender and member of the 1980 AFCON-winning team, believes the way the Super Eagles responded to the setback will strengthen their belief ahead of another demanding qualifying match.

Super Eagles recover after early setback

Kari Eshan gave Madagascar the lead 16 minutes after kick-off, putting Nigeria under pressure in their first Group L game.

The hosts levelled in first-half stoppage time through George Ilenikhena. The 20-year-old forward, who plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad, was making his first appearance for the Super Eagles.

Moses Usor, who plays for Austrian club LASK, completed the turnaround five minutes past the hour mark to give Nigeria the victory.

Speaking to Completesports.com on Saturday morning, Ikhana praised the players for maintaining their composure after Madagascar’s early goal.

“First, I must congratulate the team for the win. I must also say kudos for the way they refused to drop their heads after going behind very early in the game,” he said.

“Such an early setback can destabilise a team. But the team showed courage, composure, confidence and fighting spirit to recover and get the job done.”

Ikhana also singled out Ilenikhena and Usor, who both scored in their senior international debuts.

“I must also say kudos to the two goalscorers. I understand that this is their first Super Eagles game. It’s nice to begin one’s senior national team career on a high.”

Ikhana urges Nigeria to carry momentum to Bissau

The former Enyimba manager, who guided the club to the 2003 CAF Champions League title, admitted Madagascar had provided more resistance than he expected.

“I knew the team was going to win, but I never knew that Madagascar would offer such a level of resistance. But thank God they overcame the setback to get a win,” he said.

Nigeria must now reproduce that resilience when they face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday.

“It’s important to take the victory mentality into the next game, which is an away game against Guinea-Bissau. It’s going to be tough out there in Bissau, but the confidence in the Super Eagles now is going to be key in the game on Tuesday,” Ikhana concluded.