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Super Eagles secure opening win: Nigeria defeated Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with three points.
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After the teams went into half-time level at 1-1, the substitute scored late to restore Nigeria’s advantage.
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Stanley Nwabali denied Madagascar a late equaliser after a defensive error created a dangerous opportunity.
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Tanzania’s status as a co-host leaves Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau competing for Group L’s only remaining qualification place.
September 25, (THEWILL) – Nigeria opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Madagascar, but the narrow result highlighted the pressure surrounding a Group L contest in which only one non-host nation can secure qualification.
The Super Eagles went into half-time level at 1-1 after Madagascar matched Nigeria’s opening goal in an entertaining first half at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Nigeria struggled to establish a decisive advantage but continued searching for a winner after the restart.
Head coach Eric Chelle turned to his substitutes, introducing Moses Usor and Moses Simon for Samuel Chukwueze and Akor Adams as Nigeria looked to increase their attacking threat.
The changes eventually paid off, with Usor scoring late to restore the Super Eagles’ lead and move them closer to an important opening victory.
Madagascar refused to surrender and nearly punished Nigeria in the closing stages. Calvin Bassey lost possession in midfield, allowing Rayan Raveloson to advance towards goal.
However, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali reacted quickly, closing down the angle and denying the Malagasy attacker a clear opportunity to level the contest.
The victory was particularly significant given Nigeria’s previous encounter with Madagascar.
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The previous setback served as a reminder that Nigeria could not afford to underestimate their opponents.
Chelle had stressed the importance of securing maximum points before the match, describing Nigeria’s opening assignments against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau as crucial to their campaign.
The Super Eagles were also without Victor Osimhen, who missed both September qualifiers because of a muscle injury, increasing the responsibility on the team’s other attacking players.
Group L Leaves Little Room for Error
Nigeria’s victory carries added importance because of Group L’s qualification structure.
Tanzania, one of the tournament’s three co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda, already have a guaranteed place at AFCON 2027.
That leaves Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau battling for the group’s single remaining qualification ticket.
As a result, every dropped point could have a direct impact on the race, while victories against direct competitors become especially valuable.
Nigeria’s next assignment comes on September 29, when Chelle’s side travel to face Guinea-Bissau. .
The Super Eagles will hope to build on their opening win, knowing that another positive result would strengthen their position in a qualification battle with little margin for error.
Friday’s victory gives Nigeria the start they wanted. However, the tight structure of Group L means the Super Eagles must maintain their focus throughout the campaign if they are to secure a place at the 2027 AFCON finals.
Olumide Atiba is a sports journalist with THEWILL, known for his keen news sense and compelling storytelling. He has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, well-structured reports that resonate with readers, with a strong focus on football coverage
