Debutants George Ilenikhena and Usor Moses both scored to inspire the Super Eagles to a hard-fought Nigeria 2-1 Madagascar AFCON qualifying win on Friday in Uyo.
After trailing to an early Clément Couturier strike in the 16th minute, Nigeria rallied in both halves to overturn the deficit and earn their first three points in Group L.
Nigeria 2-1 Madagascar
George Ilenikhena found the bottom corner after being played through, drawing Nigeria level on the stroke of half-time.
Just five minutes after coming on, Moses Usor scored on his Super Eagles debut in the second half.
The substitute ran almost the full length of the pitch with the ball in a brilliant solo run before finding the net to put Nigeria ahead.
Just before Usor’s goal, goalkeeper Staley Nwabali kept Nigeria from going behind again, making a calm save in a 1v1 situation.
Another substitute, Tolu Arokodare, almost made an immediate impact, hitting the post from an Alex Iwobi pass just after coming on!
Meanwhile, Moses Simon became the fifth Nigerian player to earn 100 appearances for Nigeria, replacing Akor Adams in a double substitution.
In the early group game, goals from Dju and Mama Balde gave Guinea-Bissau a 2- 0 win over Tanzania to send them to the top of the table.
Guinea-Bissau will welcome the Super Eagles on September 29th for the second matchday of Group L.
