By Samuel Akpan
Two first-timers dragged Nigeria back from the brink in Uyo on Friday as the Super Eagles opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying bid with a 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar.
The Barea stunned the Godswill Akpabio Stadium by taking a 16th-minute lead, leaving Stanley Nwabali under early fire.
Nigeria, semi-finalists at the last two AFCON tournaments, suddenly faced an opening-night scare.
Calvin Bassey’s incision carved Madagascar open before Alex Iwobi’s through ball skipped off a defender.
Debutant George Ilenikhena finished neatly into the bottom corner in first-half stoppage time.
Ilenikhena’s first senior strike for Nigeria sent the sides in level at the break and announced him to the home crowd in the most dramatic fashion possible.
Nwabali may take blame for the opener, yet he kept the Super Eagles alive.
His 53rd-minute save stopped Madagascar from stretching the lead again.
Moses Usor then completed a night of firsts. Introduced for Samuel Chukwueze, the substitute scored with almost his first touch in the 64th minute to put Nigeria ahead.
What made Usor’s winner sting more was the journey as he collected the ball in his own half, held his run, and never surrendered possession until the net rippled.
Moses Simon, marking his 100th Super Eagles appearance, stayed lively throughout and helped Nigeria control the second period after the early scare.
Eric Chelle’s side had been expected to begin Group L with a statement win at home, with qualification for next year’s finals in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania the target.
Nigeria recovered from a shaky start in Uyo to secure a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in their opening qualifier.
First-cap scorers Ilenikhena and Usor spearheaded the comeback, delivering the decisive goals to ensure the Super Eagles bagged maximum points despite an anxious opening spell against the Barea.