{
  "id": 9826403,
  "title": "AFCON qualifiers: Senegal draw first match under Vieira, Nigeria survive Madagascar scare",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/afcon-qualifiers-senegal-draw-first-match-under-vieira-nigeria-9826403",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-25T20:24:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/afcon-qualifiers-senegal-draw-first-match-under-vieira-nigeria-survive-madagascar-scare/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "Nigeria beat Madagascar 2-1 in their AFCON qualifying match. The Super Eagles came from behind after conceding an early goal, with George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scoring on their international debut. According to Daily Trust, Nigeria controlled 60% of possession but it was Madagascar who took the lead through Eshan's header from a corner kick.\n\nIn another match, Senegal drew 1-1 with Mozambique under new coach Patrick Vieira. This was Vieira's debut match as Senegal coach.\n\nNigeria's win extended their unbeaten record against Madagascar in AFCON qualifiers history. The match was played at the Godswill Akpabio stadium, where Nigeria welcomed back Stanley Nwabali and Ola Aina into the team.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Senegal debut for Vieira ends in disappointing draw",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/senegal-debut-for-vieira-ends-in-disappointing-draw",
        "published": "2026-09-25T15:44:41.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "AFCON qualifiers: Senegal draw first match under Vieira, Nigeria survive Madagascar scare",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/afcon-qualifiers-senegal-draw-first-match-under-vieira-nigeria",
        "published": "2026-09-25T20:14:40.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "Nigeria vs Russia: ‘Osimhen’s absence huge blow’ – Kaita predicts scoreline of friendly match",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/nigeria-vs-russia-osimhens-absence-huge-blow-kaita-predicts-scoreline",
        "published": "2026-09-25T20:24:58.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}