It was the best of debuts for George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor as the duo’s strikes saw the Super Eagles come from a goal down to beat Madagascar 2-1, in their first Group L 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in Uyo on Friday. The win means the Super Eagles maintained their AFCON qualifying dominance over Madagascar with four wins and one draw.
Head coach Eric Chelle included Ilenikhena in the starting lineup for his debut while Moses Simon made his 100th appearance. Also, Stanley Nwabali made his first outing for the Super Eagles since January at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, while Taiwo Awoniyi and Tolu Arokodare made comebacks to the team after being away. With the victory, the Eagles are second in Group L while Guinea-Bissau, who beat Tanzania 2-0 away, are top.
Up next for the Eagles is an away fixture against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29. The Super Eagles bossed the early exchanges but the Madagascar backline held firm. In the 4th minute Wilfred Ndidi had the Super Eagles first attempt but saw his header from close range go just over the bar. Madagascar then went on the counter but Alex Iwobi made a timely block for a corner.
Madagascar then took a shock lead on 16 minutes as Kari Eshan beat the offside trap to nod home a well taken cross. In the 25th minute Madagascar captain Rayan Raveloson tried a long range shot but saw his effort go just wide off target. A minute later Ndidi hit a low left foot shot which went narrowly off target.
On the half hour mark Ndidi had a big chance to make it 1-1 but saw his close range header, from Iwobi’s cross go just over the bar.