Debutants Ilenikhena, Usor score as Nigeria beat Madagascar 2-1 in 2027 AFCON Qualifiers opener
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.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
APC governorship candidate unveils plans to transform Ogun
Mr Adeola spoke on Friday during an interactive session with journalists at the NUJ secretariat in Abeokuta.
States
Independence: Sanwo-Olu advises Nigerians to unite for national growth
The governor stressed that national development could not be left to government alone.
States
AgriConnect: FG, World Bank, Oyo, IITA join forces to bolster food security
Mr Makinde said Nigeria was not lagging behind in agricultural activities.
Heading 4
Sri Lanka-bound 44kg hashish, 13kg cocaine intercepted at Canada’s Toronto Pearson’s airport
The suspect was subsequently arrested by law enforcement officers before being transferred into the custody of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
NationWide
Africa Magic airs documentary celebrating Olu Jacobs’ legacy
The late Jacobs co-founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts with his wife.
Africa
Ebola cases rise as outbreak expands to 63 health zones in DR Congo: WHO
WHO said delays in diagnosis and access to adequate treatment could contribute to preventable deaths.
