Debutants, George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor were the heroes for Nigeria as the Super Eagles came from behind to beat the Barea of Madagascar 2-1 in their first Group L game of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the Gods will Akpabio international Stadium in Uyo on Friday.
Ilenikhena who plays for Al-Itihad in the Saudi Pro League started the game while Usor who stars for LASK in the Austrian Bundesliga was a second half substitute.
The Super Eagles dominated the early exchanges but could not break down the Malagasy defence.
The opponents then took a shock lead in the 16th minute when Kari Eshan beat the offside trap to nod home a well taken cross to give Madagascar a 1-0 lead.
The Super Eagles thought they got an equaliser when Alex Iwobi had the ball in the net but it was ruled out for a foul on the Malagasy goalkeeper by Akor Adams.
Nigeria finally drew level one minute into first half added time when Ilenikhena got a through pass from Iwobi and slotted the ball past the keeper to make scores 1-1.
The Super Eagles again started the second half stronger but once more could not find a way to score.
Then in the 51st minute Madagascar almost went in front again after their captain Rayan Raveloson was played through on goal but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali stayed composed as he went down to palm the ball off his feet to make a great save.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle then made two changes as he brought on Usor and Moses Simon who earned his 100th captain for Nigeria.
LASK winger Usor then went on to score a brilliant solo goal in the 65th minute as he got the ball in Nigeria’s hall and ran more than half the entire pitch, beat two defenders before hitting a low left foot strike past the keeper.
Another substitute Tolu Arokodare had a chance to extend the lead in the 74th minute but his shot hit the post.
The victory means the Super Eagles are second in Group L behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, who beat Tanzania 2-0 away in an earlier encounter.
Up next For Nigeria is an away game against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29