AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Asisat Oshoala stunned by Moses Usor stunner as Nigeria winger seals dream Super Eagles debut

Former Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala was left stunned by Moses Usor’s spectacular debut goal as Nigeria fought back to beat Madagascar 2-1 in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday.

Usor turned an encouraging introduction into an unforgettable international debut at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, scoring the decisive goal just minutes after coming off the bench.

Nigeria were forced to recover from a shock setback after Madagascar took the lead in the 16th minute. Clément Couturier rose highest to meet Ryan Ponti’s cross and guided his header beyond Stanley Nwabali, silencing the home crowd and putting the visitors ahead.

Eric Chelle’s side struggled to break down a disciplined Madagascar defence for much of the opening half. Ademola Lookman went close to restoring parity, but the Super Eagles had to wait until stoppage time to find their breakthrough.

Ilenikhena restores parity before Usor takes over

George Ilenikhena, making his senior Nigeria debut after opting to represent the Super Eagles over France, showed composure beyond his years to level the contest.

The forward finished Alex Iwobi’s pass deep into first-half stoppage time, ensuring Nigeria went into the interval with renewed belief.

The equaliser changed the momentum, but Nigeria still needed another moment of quality to complete the comeback.

Chelle turned to his substitutes after the break, bringing on Usor for Samuel Chukwueze as Nigeria searched for a second goal.

The 24-year-old LASK winger needed only a short time to make his mark.

In the 65th minute, Semi Ajayi’s headed pass sent Usor into space, and the forward immediately drove towards the Madagascar box.

Usor skipped beyond two defenders before cutting inside and unleashing a powerful left-footed strike that flew into the bottom-right corner, leaving goalkeeper Geordan Dupire with no chance.

The finish gave Nigeria their first lead of the night and marked Usor’s first competitive appearance and senior international goal for the Super Eagles.

Oshoala reacts to stunning debut goal

Usor’s effort did not go unnoticed, with Oshoala among those impressed by the quality of the finish.

The former Barcelona forward reacted on X moments after the goal, celebrating the winger’s instant impact on the international stage.

“What a goal 🔥🔥🔥….🇳🇬🇳🇬 Moses Usor,” Oshoala wrote.

Usor’s strike proved decisive as Nigeria managed the closing stages to secure a 2-1 victory and three points from their opening Group L fixture.

The comeback also gave Chelle a winning start to Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign, although the Super Eagles were made to work for the result after falling behind early.

Nigeria currently sit second in Group L, with Guinea-Bissau moving top after recording a surprise 2-0 away victory over Tanzania.

For Usor, however, the night was defined by one explosive moment — a debut goal good enough to turn a promising cameo into an immediate Super Eagles highlight.