{
  "id": 9810018,
  "title": "AFCON Qualifier: Debutants Ilenikhena, Usor fire Nigeria to 2-1 over Madagascar",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/afcon-qualifier-debutants-ilenikhena-usor-fire-nigeria-to-2-1-over-9810018",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-25T18:52:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/afcon-qualifier-debutants-ilenikhena-usor-fire-nigeria-to-2-1-over-madagascar/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nigeria's Super Eagles secured a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opener, marking their debut in the tournament. The win was achieved through goals from debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor, who scored in either half to overturn Madagascar's early lead. The match took place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Madagascar took the lead early in the game through a quick transition, scoring past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Nigeria responded before halftime, with debutant Ilenikhena netting in the first minute of added time to equalize. After the break, Nigeria continued to press, with midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi dominating proceedings. The decisive goal came from Usor in the second half, completing the comeback and securing Nigeria's first win in their Group L campaign. Nigeria will now face Guinea-Bissau on September 29, with Madagascar hosting Tanzania on the same day.",
  "summary": "Debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scored as Nigeria’s Super Eagles came from behind to beat Madagascar 2-1 in their 2027 AFCON qualifier in Uyo. Read More: https://punchng.com/afcon-qualifier-debutants-ilenikhena-usor-fire-nigeria-to-2-1-over-madagascar/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "AFCON Qualifier: Debutants Ilenikhena, Usor fire Nigeria to 2-1 over Madagascar",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/afcon-qualifier-debutants-ilenikhena-usor-fire-nigeria-to-2-1-over",
        "published": "2026-09-25T18:22:40.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Premium Times",
        "title": "AFCON Qualifiers: Debutants Ilenikhena, Usor fire Super Eagles past Madagascar",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/afcon-qualifiers-debutants-ilenikhena-usor-fire-super-eagles-past",
        "published": "2026-09-25T18:23:18.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "AFCON 2027: Fans react as Super Eagles beat Madagascar, criticise Lookman, Akor",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/afcon-2027-fans-react-as-super-eagles-beat-madagascar-criticise",
        "published": "2026-09-25T19:43:23.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}