Nigeria Edge Out Madagascar 2-1 as Moses Usor Puts Super Eagles Ahead

By Emmanuel Kwada

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have taken a 2-1 lead over Madagascar in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounter in Uyo, with substitute Moses Usor finding the back of the net to put the hosts ahead.

The match, played before a lively home crowd, had produced an entertaining contest after both sides went into the halftime break level at 1-1.

Madagascar struck first in the opening half when Ehsan Kari headed home from a corner. The forward was left unmarked in the Nigerian penalty area and made no mistake with his effort beyond goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

Nwabali to the rescue for Nigeria against Madagascar https://t.co/OkxR4cEYNh

— Obikoya Adebowale (@obikoyaemmanue1) September 25, 2026

The Super Eagles protested that the goal should have been ruled out for offside, but the referee allowed the goal to stand.

Nigeria responded by increasing the pressure and eventually restored parity before the break, setting up a competitive second half.

The hosts continued to push after the restart, with Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and other attacking players posing a threat to the Madagascar defence.

Nigeria later introduced Moses Usor, and the substitute made an immediate impact by scoring the goal that gave the Super Eagles a 2-1 advantage.

A day for the debutants 👏👏

Moses Usor gets in on the act, making his debut with a brilliant goal to give the Super Eagles the lead over Madagascar.

Nigeria 🇳🇬 2 -1 Madagascar🇲🇬

https://t.co/dCFElGoLqI

— Making of Champions (@MakingOfChamps) September 25, 2026

Earlier, Ola Aina was replaced by Bright Osayi-Samuel in the 85th minute as Nigeria managed the game. Play was briefly halted after a Madagascar player required medical attention following a heavy challenge.

Nigeria came into the encounter seeking a strong start to their AFCON qualification campaign. The Super Eagles are targeting qualification for a fifth consecutive Africa Cup of Nations tournament and their 22nd appearance overall.

Madagascar, meanwhile, are seeking to build on their historic run to the quarter-finals of the 2019 AFCON, their only previous appearance at the continental tournament.

The two nations last met at the 2019 AFCON, when Madagascar recorded a 2-0 victory over Nigeria in the group stage.

Nigeria’s starting lineup featured Stanley Nwabali in goal, with Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi in defence. Wilfred Ndidi captained the side, alongside Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, George Ilenikhena and Akor Adams.

Victor Osimhen was unavailable for the match after failing to recover from a muscle injury, while Taiwo Awoniyi was recalled to the squad.

Nigeria protected their narrow advantage to secure a positive opening result in their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.

Read Also: Super Eagles Face Madagascar Again as AFCON 2027 Qualifier Promises Tough Test