Nigeria’s Super Eagles opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a nervy 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar, relying on two second-half heroics from debutants to overturn an early scare in Uyo on Friday night.

Eric Chelle’s side were caught cold inside the opening quarter of an hour when Madagascar worked a slick corner routine, with defender Ehsan Kari rising to head home Ryan Ponti’s pinpoint delivery past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, silencing the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

The visitors then sat deep and absorbed pressure, frustrating Nigeria’s build-up play and even threatening on the break without adding to their lead.

Chelle had handed a full debut to teenage forward George Ilenikhena, and the Al-Ittihad man repaid the faith in dramatic fashion. Having already gone close before the interval, Ilenikhena was slipped in behind Madagascar’s defence by Alex Iwobi in first-half stoppage time and kept his composure to slot home the equaliser, marking his senior international bow with a goal.

The second half brought fresh danger at both ends. Madagascar’s captain Rayan Raveloson was played clean through early on but lost his footing attempting to round Nwabali, sparing Nigeria’s blushes. Chelle then turned to his bench, introducing winger Moses Usor alongside veteran Moses Simon, who was winning his landmark 100th cap for the Super Eagles.

The changes paid off almost immediately, as Usor — also making his debut — produced a composed solo finish to complete Nigeria’s turnaround and settle the contest.

Beyond the result, the night carried extra significance for the Super Eagles. Nwabali featured for the first time since the 2025 AFCON in January, while forwards Taiwo Awoniyi and Tolu Arokodare both returned to the fold after spells out of the squad. Notably, the campaign kicked off without talisman Victor Osimhen, making the contributions from Ilenikhena and Usor all the more timely.

The victory stretches Nigeria’s unbeaten run against Madagascar in AFCON qualifying history, with four wins and a draw from their last five meetings, and gives the Super Eagles a perfect start to Group L as they begin the chase for a place at the 2027 finals.