The Super Eagles may have needed goals from two debutants to defeat Madagascar, but the passes that created both goals were equally important as Nigeria began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory in Uyo.
Nigeria fell behind in the 16th minute after Madagascar’s Ehsan Kari headed home from a set-piece routine, leaving Eric Chelle’s side chasing the game at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
With the visitors holding their advantage for much of the opening half, Nigeria finally found a way through in stoppage time.
Alex Iwobi was at the centre of the equaliser, producing the pass that released George Ilenikhena inside the Madagascar penalty area. The young striker kept his composure to score on his senior international debut and send Nigeria into the break level at 1-1.
The equaliser changed the mood around the stadium and gave the Super Eagles a platform to push for the winning goal.
Nigeria eventually completed the comeback in the 65th minute, with another debutant,
Moses Usor, providing the decisive finish.
This time, it was Semi Ajayi who supplied the assist.
Usor received the ball and drove forward before cutting inside and firing a low left-footed effort into the net to give Nigeria a 2-1 lead.
The two assists offered another talking point from Nigeria’s opening qualifier, with Iwobi’s creativity and Ajayi’s contribution from the back helping the Super Eagles recover from an uncomfortable start.
For Iwobi, the assist also underlined his influence in a match where Nigeria struggled to find a breakthrough for long periods.
Ajayi’s contribution, meanwhile, showed how Nigeria’s comeback was not built solely around the attacking players. His pass helped launch the move that ultimately produced the winning goal.
The victory gives Chelle three points from his first Group L fixture, although Nigeria will now face another challenge away to
Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
Guinea-Bissau also opened their campaign with a win, defeating Tanzania 2-0, meaning Nigeria will head into Tuesday’s encounter with another important qualification test ahead.
