Debutants Ilenikhena, Usor Inspire Super Eagles Comeback as Moses Simon Hits 100 Caps
Nigeria’s Super Eagles began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign on a winning note after debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scored in a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo.
The Group L encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday also proved memorable for Moses Simon, who made his 100th appearance for Nigeria.
Madagascar stunned the home crowd in the 16th minute, taking the lead from a Ryan Ponti delivery before Nigeria mounted their comeback.
The early setback put the Super Eagles under pressure as they searched for a response, with Wilfred Ndidi and other Nigerian players threatening the visitors’ goal.
Nigeria thought they had found an equaliser through Alex Iwobi, but the effort was ruled out after Akor Adams was adjudged to have impeded the Madagascar goalkeeper.
The breakthrough eventually came in first-half stoppage time.
Iwobi produced a defence-splitting pass for Ilenikhena, who kept his composure inside the penalty area and finished into the bottom corner to make it 1-1.
It was a dream start to international football for Ilenikhena, who had been handed his senior Nigeria debut by head coach Eric Chelle.
Madagascar threatened again after the restart, but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali prevented the visitors from regaining the lead as Nigeria searched for a winner.
Chelle then turned to his bench, introducing Usor and Simon for Samuel Chukwueze and Adams in the 61st minute.
Usor needed only a few minutes to make his mark.
The winger launched a counterattack from deep inside Nigeria’s half, drove towards the Madagascar penalty area and beat defenders before firing a low effort past the goalkeeper in the 65th minute.
His goal completed Nigeria’s comeback and made history in the process, as Ilenikhena and Usor became the first two players to score on their Super Eagles debuts in the same match.
Nigeria continued to search for a third goal, with substitute Tolu Arokodare hitting the post, but the Super Eagles ultimately held on to secure all three points.
The evening also belonged to Simon, who came off the bench to earn his 100th cap for Nigeria.
The 31-year-old became only the fifth player to reach 100 appearances for the Super Eagles, joining Ahmed Musa, Vincent Enyeama, Joseph Yobo and Alex Iwobi in the exclusive club.
Simon, who made his senior international debut in 2015, reached the milestone after more than a decade representing Nigeria.
The victory gives the Super Eagles a positive start to their AFCON qualifying campaign, with attention now turning to their next Group L fixture against Guinea-Bissau in Bissau on Tuesday, September 29.