Debut goals from George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor save Super Eagles from home defeat to Madagascar

Early goals from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad forward George Osazehmen Ilenikhena and Austria’s LASK’s Miaes Usor saved the Super Eagles on Friday from a potential home defeat to Madagascar.

Sports247 reports that Nigeria’s first of the night in Uyo came from Ilenikhena, as the former Amiens and AS Monaco striker of France, who last played for Belgium’s Antwerp, scored in the 46th minute of the match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, with the timely equaliser.

Usor later came off the Eagles bench early in the second half to make it 2-1 in favor of the Eagles, who looked out of place and struggled to keep pace, but went into half-time due to an effort by Ilenikhena in the 46th minute.

That late effort saw him join a host of stars who struck on their debut for Nigeria, including Julius Efosa Aghagowa, Femi Opabunmi, Obafemi Akinwunmi Martins, Stephen Ayodele Makinwa, Ekhigo Ehiosun, Brian Idowu, Femi Azeez and Akor Adams, who started in attack on Friday.

Ilenikhena’s effort helped the Eagles return to Friday’s opening match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, when the visitors from Antananarivo took the lead after 16 minutes with a stunning Eshan header that left Stanley Nwabali pinned on the spot.

Dramatically, Ilenikhena had another chance to score the second just 60 seconds after scoring, but her weak header deflected and both teams entered the tunnel level at 1-1 on a rainy day in the Akwa Ibom state capital.

Nigeria were saved from further embarrassment early in the second half as Nwabali had to remain calm and react at the right time to prevent a Madagascar attacker from scoring in a one-on-one situation, after which the visiting goalkeeper also managed to save an Eagles corner kick.

The Eagles continued to work to take control of the game, as Madagascar became more adventurous and continued to pick apart their hosts’ defense, prompting Eric Chelle to take off Adams, who looked lost in the attack.

Dramatically, the man who replaced Adams in the 63rd minute helped bring the game full circle for the Hists as Usor’s debut goal put the visitors down, giving Chelle enough confidence to replace Ilenikhena and the out-of-form Ademola Lookman with Taiwo Awoniyi and Tolu Arokodare respectively.

Moses Simon soon came off the Eagles bench for his long-awaited and well-celebrated 100th cap, but despite adding spark to the Nigerian attack from the left flank and with four minutes added to normal time, no further goal came, as Chelle heaved a deep sigh at the final whistle.

Sports247 further reports that the 2-1 win gives Chelle’s team a dose of confidence, as they head to the airport on Saturday to catch the flight to the west coast, where they will play away against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday.