The Tremendous Eagles of Nigeria got here from behind to defeat Madagascar 2-1 of their opening Group L match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on the Godswill Akpabio Worldwide Stadium in Uyo.
Nigeria fell behind early however confirmed character to show the sport round, with debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scoring the objectives that secured all three factors for the Tremendous Eagles in entrance of their house supporters.
Madagascar took a shock lead within the fifteenth minute when Ehsan Kari rose to move the ball into the web. The aim appeared to have come from an offside place, however the referee allowed it to face, giving the guests an early benefit.
The Tremendous Eagles continued to push ahead looking for an equaliser and ultimately acquired their reward in first-half stoppage time.
Alex Iwobi picked out debutant George Ilenikhena, who saved his composure to complete and make it 1-1 within the 45+1st minute.
Nigeria returned for the second half decided to finish the comeback and continued to pile stress on the Madagascar defence.
Head coach Éric Chelle launched Moses Usor, and the LASK winger made a direct impression after coming off the bench.
Within the sixty fifth minute, Semi Ajayi discovered Usor, who produced an excellent particular person run into the Madagascar penalty space earlier than calmly ending to place Nigeria 2-1 forward.
The aim accomplished a memorable Tremendous Eagles debut for Usor and in the end proved to be the winner as Nigeria held on to safe all three factors.
Group L Standings
Following Nigeria’s victory, Guinea-Bissau sit prime of Group L after additionally successful their opening fixture.
| Place | Workforce | P | W | D | L | GF | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Guinea-Bissau | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2:0 | 3 |
| 2 | Nigeria | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2:1 | 3 |
| 3 | Madagascar | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1:2 | 0 |
| 4 | Tanzania | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0:2 | 0 |
Nigeria’s victory offers the Tremendous Eagles three factors from their opening qualifier as they start their marketing campaign for a spot on the 2027 AFCON match.
Victor Osimhen Celebrates With Tremendous Eagles
Victor Osimhen was current on the Godswill Akpabio Worldwide Stadium in Uyo to help his teammates regardless of being sidelined by damage.
Following Nigeria’s 2-1 victory, the Galatasaray ahead joined the gamers within the dressing room because the Tremendous Eagles celebrated their vital opening win.
Osimhen additionally joined within the celebrations as Moses Simon marked a significant milestone along with his a centesimal look for Nigeria.
Moses Simon Reaches 100 Tremendous Eagles Caps
Moses Simon celebrated a particular milestone throughout Nigeria’s victory over Madagascar after making his a centesimal look for the Tremendous Eagles.
The Paris FC winger reached the landmark in Uyo, a decade after making his worldwide debut in opposition to Uganda in March 2015.
Simon has established himself as one in all Nigeria’s most skilled gamers and stays a key member of the nationwide staff.
Moses Simon’s Tremendous Eagles File
- 100 appearances
- 12 objectives
- 65 aggressive appearances
- 35 pleasant appearances
- 23 AFCON appearances
- 22 FIFA World Cup qualifying appearances
The 100-cap milestone marks a decade of service, dedication and dedication to the Nigerian nationwide staff.
Congratulations to Moses Simon on reaching 100 appearances for the Tremendous Eagles.
George Ilenikhena Scores on Tremendous Eagles Debut
George Ilenikhena loved a dream begin to his worldwide profession after scoring on his Tremendous Eagles debut in opposition to Madagascar.
George Ilenikhena will get the equalizer after Madagascar took a shock early lead. – Photograph Credit score : Julie Sports activities, X
The Al Ittihad striker got here off the bench? and introduced himself on the worldwide stage with Nigeria’s equaliser within the first half.
After Madagascar had taken an early lead, Ilenikhena calmly completed Alex Iwobi’s go within the 45+1st minute to convey Nigeria stage.
His debut aim proved to be an vital second within the comeback because the Tremendous Eagles went on to win 2-1.
It was an evening to recollect for the younger ahead as he marked his first look for Nigeria with a aim.
Congratulations to George Ilenikhena on his Tremendous Eagles debut and first worldwide aim.
Moses Usor Declares Himself With Beautiful Debut Objective
Moses Usor additionally marked his Tremendous Eagles debut in memorable vogue, scoring the successful aim in opposition to Madagascar.
The LASK winger was handed a late call-up to the squad after Femi Azeez was unnoticed following recommendation from Brighton & Hove Albion’s medical staff, who needed the participant to make use of the worldwide break to relaxation and proceed his restoration.
Éric Chelle subsequently referred to as up Usor, and the winger made probably the most of his alternative.
Launched within the second half, Usor introduced tempo, power and direct attacking play to Nigeria’s frontline.
His second arrived within the sixty fifth minute when Semi Ajayi performed the ball into his path. Usor drove into the Madagascar penalty space, dribbled previous the opposition defence and calmly picked his spot to finish an excellent solo effort.
The aim gave Nigeria a 2-1 lead and in the end secured victory for the Tremendous Eagles.
It was a exceptional manner for Usor to announce himself on the worldwide stage and a debut he’s unlikely to neglect.
Congratulations to Moses Usor on making his Tremendous Eagles debut and scoring the successful aim in Nigeria’s opening 2027 AFCON qualifier.
