The Super Eagles began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo on Friday, Trybal News reports.
Debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scored for Nigeria after Madagascar had taken an early lead through Ehsan Kari.
Eric Chelle started with a 4-4-2 formation, handing Ilenikhena his first international appearance. The Al Ittihad forward partnered Akor Adams in attack.
Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman operated from the flanks, while Alex Iwobi and captain Wilfred Ndidi formed the central midfield pairing.
Ola Aina returned to the starting line up at right back, with Bruno Onyemaechi on the left. Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi completed the central defensive partnership.
Ilenikhena and Usor Turn Game Around for Super Eagles
Madagascar stunned Nigeria in the 16th minute from a corner. Captain Ryan Ponti delivered the ball into a dangerous area, and defender Ehsan Kari headed home after the Super Eagles failed to mark him.
Ndidi tried to respond in the 27th minute. His effort from 20 yards with his weaker foot, however, went wide of the target.
Madagascar captain number 7 also tested Nigeria from distance in the 25th minute after his side had applied sustained pressure.
Nigeria continued to create openings. In the 30th minute, Iwobi delivered a clever cross into the box, but Ndidi headed wide from 12 yards.
The Super Eagles eventually found their equaliser in first half added time. Iwobi’s penetrating pass released Ilenikhena, who produced a powerful low drive with his left foot to beat the goalkeeper.
The goal marked Ilenikhena’s first for Nigeria on his international debut.
The young striker almost completed a quick turnaround moments later. However, his header from a Chukwueze cross drifted wide.
Nigeria finished the first half with 62.9% possession. They also recorded 14 shots, with two on target, while Madagascar had three shots and one on target.
Madagascar had a major chance to regain the lead six minutes after the restart. Poor defending allowed Ponti to run through and attempt to round the goalkeeper, but he failed to convert.
Chelle made his first changes on the hour mark. Moses Usor replaced Adams, while Moses Simon came on for Chukwueze.
The two substitutes almost combined immediately. Simon delivered a cross into the box, but Usor could not make clean contact.
Moses Usor then completed the turnaround in the 65th minute.
The LASK forward collected the ball after Nigeria dealt with a Madagascar corner and quickly turned defence into attack. He beat two defenders before firing a left footed effort past the goalkeeper at the near post.
Nigeria moved 2-1 ahead and controlled the match from that point.
Chelle made another double change in the 70th minute. Taiwo Awoniyi and Tolu Arokodare replaced Lookman and Ilenikhena.
The Super Eagles created a number of half chances late in the match, although they could not add a third goal.
Chelle made his final substitution in the 87th minute when Bright Osayi Samuel replaced Aina.
Nigeria managed the closing stages well to secure three points from their opening Group L fixture.
The Super Eagles finished with 54.7% possession and 22 shots, including four on target. Madagascar had 45.3% possession, four shots and one effort on target.
In the other Group L match, Guinea Bissau defeated Tanzania 2-0 to move top of the group on goal difference.
