Nigeria’s Super Eagles opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 win over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom on Friday. 

Madagascar grabbed the lead in the 16th minute when Clement Couturier headed home a free kick as goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali froze in goal to stun the Super Eagles players in front of the home crowd.

Despite being in control of the match, Nigeria struggled to find the back of the net until the added minutes of the first half when debutant George Ilenikhena slotted home a through pass from Alex Iwobi to equalise for Nigeria. 

Another debutant Moses Usor gave Nigeria the lead for the first time in the 65th minute when he drove the ball into the 18-yard box from almost centre of the pitch before calmly firing a left-footed shot into the net. 

Substitute Tolu Arokodare came close to scoring later on in the game but his shot from the left side of the box struck the goalpost. Nigeria managed to hang on to the lead until the full time whistle to secure the maximum three points. 

The Eagles will travel to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau in the second match of the qualifiers next Tuesday.