Ilenikhena and Usor complete Nigeria comeback against Madagascar

Nigeria began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar after George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scored on their first appearances for the Super Eagles.

Madagascar took the lead in Uyo on Friday, but Ilenikhena equalised in first-half stoppage time before Usor produced a decisive solo effort after the break.

The result gave Eric Chelle’s side three points in Group L, although Nigeria were made to work hard by the Barea and did not fully settle the doubts surrounding their attack in the absence of Victor Osimhen.

Nigeria started positively but struggled to control the match with only two midfielders. Samuel Chukwueze provided some dangerous bursts, yet it was Madagascar who found the breakthrough in the 16th minute.

Ryan Ponti delivered a cross into the area and Clement Couturier rose to head past the Nigerian defence, forcing the Super Eagles to chase the game.

Ilenikhena was Nigeria’s main threat before the interval but initially lacked accuracy. After being played in by Calvin Bassey, he was denied by Geordan Dupire, then headed over from Chukwueze’s cross.

The forward eventually found the equaliser in stoppage time. Alex Iwobi’s excellent pass picked out Ilenikhena inside the penalty area, and he calmly beat the Madagascar goalkeeper to level the score.

The goal was particularly significant for Ilenikhena, who had received his first Nigeria call-up for these qualifiers.

Nigeria continued to press after the restart. Ademola Lookman saw an effort blocked, while Bassey tested Dupire with a header.

Chelle then made a double substitution, introducing Usor and Moses Simon, who was earning his 100th cap, for Chukwueze and Akor Adams.

Usor made an immediate impact. In the 65th minute, he collected a pass from Semi Ajayi inside his own half, carried the ball forward, beat two opponents and cut inside before finishing with his left foot. His shot wrong-footed Dupire and completed an impressive turnaround.

It was a memorable way for the LASK winger to mark his first competitive appearance for Nigeria.

The hosts were unable to put the contest beyond Madagascar, however. The visitors remained a threat until the final whistle, with Hakim Abdallah seeing a shot blocked inside the area.

The introductions of Tolu Arokodare and Taiwo Awoniyi did not alter the score.

Nigeria’s campaign is under way with victory, but Chelle’s side will need to improve their performance before their next fixture in Guinea-Bissau on 29 September. With Osimhen unavailable, Ilenikhena and Usor have given the manager an immediate response at the other end of the pitch.