Nigeria's Super Eagles secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Madagascar in their opening Group L match of the AFCON 2025 qualifying series. The match, held at the Godswill Akpabio stadium, saw two debutants, George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor, score crucial goals to help Nigeria come from behind and win. The victory extended Nigeria's unbeaten record against Madagascar in AFCON qualifiers history.
Madagascar took the lead early in the game courtesy of a well-executed corner kick play. Eshan sprang the poor offside trap to meet Ryan Ponti's cross with a well-placed header, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead. Despite conceding, Nigeria controlled 60% of possession and continued to probe their defensively-minded opponents. The Super Eagles tried 14 shots in the first half before finding the equalizer on 45 minutes through debutant Ilenikhena.
Ilenikhena, an Al-Ittihad striker, controlled an Alex Iwobi through ball before slotting into the net for 1-1 at halftime. The goal boosted Nigeria's morale, and the team made a double substitution at the start of the second half, bringing on Moses Simon and Moses Usor. Usor, a LASK Linz forward, completed the comeback with an excellent solo goal, collecting the ball following a cleared Madagascar corner kick and racing towards goal.
Usor's goal came after he danced past two defenders and deceived the goalkeeper with a finish at his near post for the winner. The determined hosts held Madagascar off to seal victory and go joint-top of Group L with Guinea-Bissau. Coach Eric Chelle's faith in the two debutants paid off, as they played crucial roles in securing the win.
The match also marked the return of Stanley Nwabali and Ola Aina to the team, who were welcomed back into the starting XI by Coach Chelle. Despite a slow start, both players warmed their way back into the team. The Super Eagles' victory was a significant result, and the team will look to build on this momentum in their next match.
Nigeria's next match in the AFCON 2025 qualifying series is against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29. The team will travel to Bissau to face the Djutus, looking to extend their unbeaten record and maintain their position at the top of Group L. The win over Madagascar has given the Super Eagles a boost, and they will aim to carry this momentum into their next game.
The victory was a testament to the team's resilience and the impact of the debutants. Ilenikhena and Usor's goals will be remembered as crucial moments in the match, and their performances will likely earn them more opportunities in the team. As the Super Eagles continue their campaign in the AFCON 2025 qualifying series, they will look to build on this result and achieve their goals.
Key points
- Nigeria's Super Eagles defeated Madagascar 2-1 in their opening Group L match of the AFCON 2025 qualifying series.
- Debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scored crucial goals for Nigeria in the match.
- The victory extended Nigeria's unbeaten record against Madagascar in AFCON qualifiers history.
