Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign began with a 2–1 win over Madagascar, but the three points arrived through a proper recovery rather than an easy opening night.
CAF records Madagascar taking the lead in the 16th minute. Nigeria found their response before the interval: George Ilenikhena finished after an Alex Iwobi pass in first-half stoppage time. That reset the match and gave the Super Eagles a platform for the second-half turn.
The winner came in the 65th minute. Moses Usor, on after replacing Samuel Chukwueze, converted a Semi Ajayi assist to put Nigeria ahead. The final sequence matters for supporters looking beyond the scoreline: Nigeria had to solve a deficit, received a decisive contribution from a substitute and protected the result for their first Group L points.
The useful next check is continuity. CAF’s squad report places Nigeria’s Guinea-Bissau fixture four days after Madagascar, so the recovery against Madagascar is now a reference point, not a final verdict on the group.
