- Debutants score for Nigeria, Moses Simon hits 100 caps
Pius Ayinor
Debutants George Ilhenikena and Moses Usor scored to steer Nigeria past a feisty Madagascar 2-1 as the race to next year’s Africa Cup of Nations kicked off with three points in the bag for the Super Eagles.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles came from behind in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) game played in Uyo.
The visitors took a 16th-minute lead when centre-back Ehsan Kari beat the Super Eagles’ offside trap and headed in from eight yards out after a well-worked short-corner routine. The argument continues over whether it was offside, as the game was played without VAR.
That goal placed Nigeria, who were without injured striker Victor Osimhen, under immense pressure for most of the first half in Uyo before Saudi Arabia-based forward George Ilenikhena latched on to a through ball from Alex Iwobi and equalised in first-half injury time.
Stanley Nwabali came up with a big save in the 50th minute to keep the scoreline.
Moses Usor, another Nigeria debutant, turned the game around with a fine solo effort midway through the second half.
The LASK winger picked up the ball wide on the right and drove forward before cutting inside, beating two defenders and netting a low left-footed shot at the near post.
The West Africans kept their momentum going but were unable to extend their lead.
Securing victory in the Group L opener was extra important because the Super Eagles, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau are effectively battling for one qualification place as Tanzania are already assured of their spot at next year’s finals as co-hosts.
Nigeria return to action on Tuesday with a trip to Guinea-Bissau, who beat Tanzania 2-0 earlier on Friday.
Photo:
Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon after Moses received his special award
