Ilenikhena, Usor fire Super Eagles to winning start against Madagascar

Nigeria’s Super Eagles opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar on Friday, September 25, securing three important points in their first Group-stage outing. George Ilenikhena marked his international debut with a goal, while Moses Usor also found the net as Nigeria claimed the win.

Madagascar managed to pull a goal back, but the Super Eagles held on to begin their qualification campaign positively. The result comes after head coach Eric Chelle urged his players to handle the pressure surrounding the opening fixture and establish momentum early in the campaign.

Nigeria will now turn their attention to their next qualifier against Guinea-Bissau on September 29, with another opportunity to strengthen their position in the race for a place at the 2027 AFCON tournament, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

According to Channels TV, The victory also provides Ilenikhena and Usor with an early opportunity to establish themselves as important attacking options for Chelle.