Ilenikhena, Usor earn comeback win as Simon reaches century

Debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scored for Nigeria as they overcame a 16th-minute deficit to defeat Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo on Friday. This victory marked Nigeria's opening match of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign and provided the team with three crucial points.

In the 16th minute, Madagascar took the lead through Ehsan Khari's well-executed header on a Ryan Ponti cross. However, Nigeria quickly leveled in the 34th minute with Alex Iwobi, only for the goal to be disallowed after Akor Adams was deemed to have obstructed the Madagascar goalkeeper. The hosts regained the lead in first-half stoppage time when Ilenikhena, stepping up for the injured Victor Osimhen, scored his first goal for Nigeria, assisted by Iwobi.

Moses Simon, who reached his 100th appearance for the Nigerian national team in this match, secured the win with his first goal for the Super Eagles in the 65th minute. Simon now joins a select group of Nigeria's centurions, including Ahmed Musa, Vincent Enyeama, Joseph Yobo, and Iwobi. The win also saw Nigeria take the top spot in Group L. Guinea-Bissau began their campaign with a win against already-qualified co-host Tanzania, but points earned against the co-hosts do not count towards qualification. The Super Eagles face Guinea-Bissau in their second Group L fixture on Tuesday, September 29.