Nigeria 2-1 Madagascar: Debutants Rescue Super Eagles

Nigeria 2-1 Madagascar was a comeback built by two debutants. The Super Eagles fell behind in Uyo on Friday night, then George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scored on their first senior appearances to give Eric Chelle three points in the first game of AFCON 2027 qualifying. Here’s how the game turned, who stood out and what it means before Tuesday’s trip to Bissau.

What was the final score in Nigeria vs Madagascar?

Nigeria beat Madagascar 2-1 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, 25 September 2026. It was Matchday 1 of Group L in AFCON 2027 qualifying.

• 16′ Madagascar lead with a header from a set piece (0-1)
• 45+1′ George Ilenikhena equalises from close range, assisted by Alex Iwobi (1-1)
• 65′ Moses Usor fires in the winner with his left foot, assisted by Semi Ajayi (2-1)

The full match data is on Flashscore’s match report.

How did Nigeria come back against Madagascar?

Nigeria came back by keeping the ball in Madagascar’s half and trusting their newest forwards. After the early goal, the hosts had plenty of pressure but little calm in front of goal.

In fact, Alex Iwobi thought he’d equalised after 33 minutes. However, the goal was ruled out for a foul by Akor Adams on Madagascar goalkeeper Geordan Dupire. Ilenikhena had already seen one effort saved and headed another over, but he finally scored in first-half stoppage time from Iwobi’s delivery. The timing mattered, because Nigeria went in level rather than chasing the game.

After the break, Chelle changed the front line. Usor and Moses Simon replaced Samuel Chukwueze and Akor Adams around the hour, and within minutes Usor had found the bottom corner from Ajayi’s pass. Then Taiwo Awoniyi and Tolu Arokodare came on to see the game out.

Who started for the Super Eagles?

Chelle picked Stanley Nwabali in goal, his first start since the 2025 AFCON. The back line was Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi, with captain Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi in midfield. Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams and debutant George Ilenikhena started in attack.

Victor Osimhen was not involved because of injury, and Awoniyi came into the squad in his place. You can see every player, position and club on our Super Eagles squad page.

Who were Nigeria’s best players?

Alex Iwobi was the standout. He created the equaliser, had a goal disallowed and drove most of Nigeria’s attacks from midfield.

• George Ilenikhena: a goal on his competitive debut, and a constant threat in the box before it.
• Moses Usor: the winner within minutes of coming off the bench, also on debut.
• Stanley Nwabali: a key one-on-one save kept Nigeria in the game.
• Moses Simon: came on to win his 100th cap for Nigeria, as AfricaTopSports reported.

On the other hand, Lookman had a quieter night, with one effort blocked inside the box. Bassey also saw a second-half header saved.

What did Eric Chelle say after the game?

Chelle was pleased with the fight but not with the finishing. “We made a mistake and conceded. After that, we had chances to score, but we were too anxious and couldn’t convert them,” he said, as reported by Complete Sports.

He added that Madagascar “parked the box” and that “it could have been five or six goals in our favour” in the second half. Chelle also praised Nwabali’s save and thanked the senior players for helping the debutants settle. Meanwhile, he refused to give away his plans for Guinea-Bissau.

Where does Nigeria stand in Group L?

Nigeria are second in Group L on three points. Guinea-Bissau top the group on goal difference after winning 2-0 away to co-hosts Tanzania, with goals from Franculino Djú and Mama Baldé.

That table matters more than usual. Tanzania have already qualified as co-hosts, so only one of Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar will reach the finals. Our AFCON 2027 qualifying guide explains the format in full, and the official draw is on CAF’s website.

Who do Nigeria play next?

Nigeria play Guinea-Bissau away on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, at 5pm WAT. The game is at the Estádio 24 de Setembro in Bissau, and the winner will lead the group.

For the form guide, team news and our betting angles, read our Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria prediction. Every Nigeria date for the rest of 2026, including the October friendly with Russia, is on our Super Eagles fixtures page.

FAQ: Nigeria 2-1 Madagascar

Who scored for Nigeria against Madagascar?

George Ilenikhena (45+1′) and Moses Usor (65′) scored for Nigeria. Both were making their Super Eagles debuts.

Where was Nigeria vs Madagascar played?

The game was played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday, 25 September 2026.

Why was Alex Iwobi’s goal disallowed?

Iwobi’s 33rd-minute goal was ruled out for a foul by Akor Adams on Madagascar goalkeeper Geordan Dupire.

When is Nigeria’s next AFCON 2027 qualifier?

Nigeria face Guinea-Bissau in Bissau on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, with kick-off at 5pm WAT.