Ilenikhena, Usor and more: 5 things learned from Nigeria’s win over Madagascar

New Super Eagles forward George Ilenikhena could hardly have scripted a more dramatic introduction to Nigerian football, scoring on his debut as Nigeria recovered from an early setback to beat Madagascar 2-1 in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

The 20-year-old Al-Ittihad striker came off the international starting blocks in style at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, cancelling out Clement Couturier’s first-half opener before substitute Moses Usor completed the comeback after the break.

Nigeria were forced to fight for the three points after Madagascar stunned the hosts in the 16th minute. Alex Iwobi appeared to have levelled later in the half, but the goal was ruled out after Akor Adams was penalised for a foul on the goalkeeper.

The pressure eventually paid off when Ilenikhena restored parity shortly before half-time, giving the Super Eagles a much-needed lift after a difficult opening period.

Ilenikhena makes instant international impact

Ilenikhena’s goal carried added significance after the forward chose Nigeria over France, having been born in Lagos but raised in France from the age of three.

After spending months weighing his international future, the striker received his first senior call-up under Eric Chelle and wasted little time justifying the decision.

His first appearance for Nigeria produced his first goal, arriving at a crucial moment when Madagascar were threatening to take their lead into the interval.

The forward’s European experience had already placed him on the radar. He made 51 appearances and scored 10 goals during two seasons with Monaco, including a Champions League winner against Barcelona.

His debut goal in Uyo now gives Chelle another attacking option as Nigeria continue their qualification campaign.

Usor turns debut into match-winning moment

Nigeria’s second goal came from another player making his senior international debut.

Chelle introduced Moses Simon for his 100th Nigeria appearance and brought on Usor during the second half as he looked to alter the direction of the contest.

Usor needed only four minutes to make his mark.

After Oluwasemilogo Ajayi cleared a Madagascar corner, the LASK forward collected possession inside his own half, powered past two defenders and fired a left-footed effort into the near post.

The goal completed Nigeria’s comeback and highlighted the immediate impact of Chelle’s changes.

Usor arrived in the national team on the back of an impressive campaign for LASK, where he registered 15 goals and 10 assists in 35 matches across all competitions last season.

He also scored and provided an assist during LASK’s Champions League comeback against Celtic in August.

Osimhen absence offers Chelle new attacking options

Nigeria began the qualifier without Victor Osimhen, who missed the September fixtures after suffering a muscle strain in his right thigh against Başakşehir.

The Galatasaray striker has scored 35 goals in 52 appearances for the Super Eagles, making his absence a significant attacking blow.

However, Nigeria found their goals through two newcomers.

Ilenikhena brought the hosts level before Usor delivered the winning goal, while Tolu Arokodare struck the post in the 74th minute and Samuel Chukwueze provided a lively threat before his withdrawal.

The result does not diminish Osimhen’s importance to the national team, but it gives Chelle evidence that Nigeria have alternative sources of attacking threat.

Chelle also handed first senior call-ups to Isaac James and Arthur Okonkwo during the September international window, further widening his options.

Nwabali and Bassey stand firm

While the debutants provided the goals, Stanley Nwabali and Calvin Bassey were important in ensuring Nigeria held on for victory.

Nwabali produced one of the key moments of the second half seven minutes after the restart, making a crucial one-on-one save to prevent Madagascar from restoring their lead.

The intervention was particularly important given the questions surrounding the goalkeeper’s club situation after his departure from Chippa United earlier in the year.

Bassey, meanwhile, delivered a composed defensive performance. The Fulham defender was strong in physical duels, comfortable in possession and reliable whenever Madagascar threatened.

His display provided stability as Nigeria navigated a tense final period.

Nigeria ultimately survived late pressure to collect all three points, with Ilenikhena and Usor providing the decisive moments.

The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to Guinea-Bissau, with the next Group L fixture scheduled for Tuesday in Morocco. Under the qualification format, Nigeria must finish as the highest-ranked non-host nation in the group because co-hosts Tanzania are already guaranteed a place at AFCON 2027.