Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has praised his players for showing strong character in their 2-1 victory over Madagascar in the opening match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Nigeria came from behind to defeat the Barea at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday night. Madagascar stunned the home crowd in the 16th minute when Kari Eshan rose to head home a cross from the left.
George Ilenikhena, making his first appearance for the Super Eagles, restored parity in first-half stoppage time after receiving a superb pass from Alex Iwobi. Moses Usor then completed Nigeria’s comeback in the 65th minute, brilliantly dribbling past two defenders before firing the ball into the net. Reflecting on the hard-fought victory, Chelle praised his players for maintaining a positive mentality despite falling behind and missing several chances. “We made a mistake and conceded.
After that, we had chances to score, but we were too anxious and couldn’t convert them,” Chelle said during his post-match interaction with the media. “But in the end, we were able to come back and win the game. That was very important. “The state of mind was good. They gave everything for the jersey and for the country. I was very happy because Victor was here too.
“I was happy because it means this group is trying to go forward and do something great.” Chelle also admitted that Madagascar’s defensive approach made life difficult for the Super Eagles, particularly after they adopted a low block. “Stanley Nwabali did well by making a good save in the one-on-one situation. It was an important save at that point in the game,” Chelle said.