Super Eagles: 4 things you missed in Nigeria’s 2-1 win over Madagascar

Super Eagles forwards George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor supplied the goals, but Nigeria’s 2-1 comeback against Madagascar in Uyo carried several storylines that stretched far beyond the scoreline, Afrik-Foot reports.

Madagascar struck first through Clément Couturier  in the 15th minute before Ilenikhena levelled in first-half stoppage time on his senior international debut. Usor then completed the turnaround in the 65th minute, giving Eric Chelle three points from an evening that began with an uncomfortable reminder of Madagascar’s famous 2-0 victory over Nigeria at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Four Super Eagles details that deserve a closer look

1. Nigeria’s Super Eagles won, but Guinea-Bissau went top of Group L

Three points were not enough to send Nigeria to the summit. Earlier on Friday, Guinea-Bissau defeated Tanzania 2-0 away from home, meaning the Djurtus also collected three points from their opening Group L fixture.

Nigeria therefore sit second behind Guinea-Bissau after Matchday One, with both sides starting their campaigns with victories.

The result gives Tuesday’s trip to face Bissau a little extra edge. Nigeria will face the team above them in the table just four days after surviving Madagascar in Uyo.

The mathematics of Group L make the fixture even more significant. Tanzania are one of the three hosts of AFCON 2027 and have already secured their place at the tournament, leaving Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar fighting for the group’s single remaining qualification ticket.

Chelle had spoken before the opener about the need to collect maximum points early. Nigeria have done that, but Guinea-Bissau’s result means there is no room for complacency.

The Super Eagles now have an immediate opportunity to seize control of the qualification race against Bissau.

2. Moses Simon has joined Nigeria’s 100-cap club

Moses Simon’s 100th appearance for Nigeria arrived in the middle of a comeback victory, giving the Paris FC winger a milestone worthy of a player who has spent more than a decade serving the Super Eagles.

Simon entered the match in the second half against Madagascar, taking his place among an exclusive group of Nigerian centurions.

Before Friday, only Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama, Ahmed Musa and Alex Iwobi had reached 100 senior appearances for Nigeria. Simon is now the fifth.

His journey began on March 25, 2015, when he made his senior debut against Uganda at the age of 19.

More than 11 years later, the winger reached 100 appearances having contributed 12 goals before the Madagascar match.

The night could have been even sweeter. Simon was involved in the attacking push after his introduction and had the chance to add a goal or assist to the occasion, but the landmark itself was the headline.

At 30, Simon has now entered territory previously occupied by some of the most durable figures in modern Super Eagles history.

3. Ilenikhena and Usor joined a very special Nigerian club

Against La Barea, Nigeria won through two debutants, as both goals came from players wearing the Super Eagles shirt for the first time.

Ilenikhena’s goal had an added layer of emotion because of the international choice behind it.

Born in Lagos and raised in France from the age of three, the Al-Ittihad striker had a genuine alternative at senior international level. He had been exposed to French youth football, but after conversations with Chelle he committed his future to Nigeria.

His reward came in the 45th minute of the match, when he swept Nigeria level just before the interval.

The goal was followed by another piece of debut-day theatre from Usor.

The LASK winger came on and later produced a solo finish to put Nigeria ahead in the 65th minute, beating two defenders before finding the net at the near post.

They have now joined a long line of Nigerians who scored on their senior debut, including Obafemi Martins, Julius Aghahowa, Femi Opabunmi, Brian Idowu and Stephen Makinwa.

Akor Adams also entered that group when he scored on his debut against Lesotho in October 2025, while Femi Azeez scored twice on his first appearance against Zimbabwe in May 2026.

Super Eagles coach Chelle would be particularly pleased to add two more forwards who already know what it feels like to decide a senior international match.

4. Super Eagles will not want Iwobi and Bassey going anywhere soon

Some performances quietly explain why certain players become so difficult to replace. Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey offered precisely that kind of value against Madagascar.

Iwobi gave Nigeria control and progression through midfield, linking the deeper players with the attack while helping the Super Eagles recover from a first half in which Madagascar’s compact shape repeatedly disrupted Nigeria’s rhythm.

The Fulham playmaker provided the assist for Ilenikhena’s equaliser and should have added a couple more but for Arokodare’s wastefulness.

Iwobi’s importance to this squad has grown even more after he himself joined the 100-cap club earlier this year.

Bassey supplied the other side of the equation.

The Fulham defender brought aggression and authority to a back line that had to deal with Madagascar’s direct attacks and counter-attacking threat. Nigeria needed composure after conceding early, and Bassey’s ability to defend space, contest duels and move the ball forward helped settle the team as the match developed.

It is easy to discuss replacement when a player is approaching the end of a career. Nigeria, however, will hope that conversation is still a long way off for both men.

Iwobi is now one of the senior reference points in Chelle’s midfield, while Bassey has developed into one of the country’s most trusted options at centre-back.

The beauty of the Uyo comeback was that the old guard and the new generation shared the stage.

The next chapter arrives in Morocco on Tuesday, when Nigeria face Guinea-Bissau knowing that victory would put Chelle’s side directly ahead of the team that currently occupies top spot in Group L.