Super Eagles' New Boys George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor Score On Debut As Nigeria Come From Behind To Beat Madagascar 2-1

A Comeback Win In Uyo

The Super Eagles of Nigeria gave fans something to smile about on Friday, September 25, 2026 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Nigeria started their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar in Group L. The win did not come easy. Madagascar shocked the home crowd in the 16th minute when defender Ehsan Kari headed home from a short-corner routine to make it 1-0, according to https://www.thecable.ng/afcon-qualifiers-ilenikhena-usor-score-on-debut-as-eagles-defeat-madagascar/.

The Super Eagles missed several chances in the first half with captain Wilfred Ndidi and Akor Adams going close, but the equaliser finally came at the right time.

Debut Scorers Steal The Show

What made this match special was who scored.

• George Ilenikhena – 45+1 minute: Making his senior debut for Nigeria in place of injured Victor Osimhen, the 19-year-old Al-Ittihad forward controlled a defence-splitting pass from Alex Iwobi and slotted into the bottom corner for his first international goal. That goal made it 1-1 before halftime.

• Moses Usor – 65th minute: The LASK winger was introduced after the break for Samuel Chukwueze and needed just a few minutes to make history. He picked the ball on the right, cut inside, and fired at the near post to score on his own debut and make it 2-1.

According to https://www.legit.ng/sports/football/1623430-super-eagles-gain-one-spot-fifa-rankings-beating-madagascar-afcon-2027-qualifier/, both players became the first pair to score on their Super Eagles debut in the same competitive game. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also made a big save after the restart to keep Nigeria ahead.

What Fans May Expect Next

This win was important for three reasons.

• Fresh energy: With Osimhen out injured and Moses Simon reaching 100 caps from the bench, fans are talking about fresh energy. Coach Eric Chelle praised the mindset of his players after the game, saying the team wants to bring something new.

• Group L battle: Guinea-Bissau also won 2-0 against Tanzania in the other group game. Tanzania has already qualified as co-hosts for 2027 alongside Kenya and Uganda, so Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar are fighting for one ticket. This win gives Nigeria three points before the away game.

• Next match: The Super Eagles travel to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. If the new boys continue like this, Chelle may keep faith with them.

For fans who were disappointed after missing the 2026 World Cup, this comeback led by debutants feels like a small reset.