Super Eagles 2-1 Madagascar: Player ratings – Usor, Ilenikhena excel, Awoniyi flops

The Super Eagles of Nigeria came from behind to beat Madagascar 2-1 in their opening game of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Super Eagles fell behind in the first half after Ehsan Kari scored with a header. But George Ilenikhena equalized just before the break on his international debut. Moses Usor then came off the bench to score a superb winner, also on his debut.

The victory puts the Super Eagles on the right path as they begin the qualification process. Next up for them will be Guinea-Bissau.

In this article, we rate the performances of the players who were in action for Nigeria on the night.

Super Eagles Player Ratings

Stanley Nwabali – 7/10

Nwabali could do little about Madagascar’s opener after the Barea caught Nigeria on the transition. He recovered well and produced an important save early in the second half after Rayan Raveloson went one-on-one with him to prevent the visitors from extending their advantage.

He was on holiday for most of the second half, but his coposure in goal and alertness was key on the night.

Ola Aina – 6.5/10

Aina was steady on his return to the Super Eagles’ starting XI. He offered width from the right and generally dealt with Madagascar’s attacking threat. However, he was often cuaght out, but that was because he was supporting the attack. Still, it was a good performance overall from the Nottingham Forest man.

Semi Ajayi – 6.5/10

Ajayi provided his usual physical presence at centre-back and helped Nigeria regain control after the difficult opening period. He was more comfortable once the Super Eagles pushed Madagascar deeper.

However, there will definitely be questions about what he was doing when Kari scored the opener for Madagascar. He and Bassey could definitely have done better in that situation. But it was a decent showing from the Hull City man.

Calvin Bassey – 6.5/10

Bassey had a reasonably solid outing but was part of a defence that allowed Madagascar to exploit space during the move that produced the opener. In fact, he was close to Kari when the cross came in, but he let down his guard. He also committed another mistake that allowed Madagascar to play Raveloson through on goal in the second half.

But asides from those issues, Bassey had a decent day in the office. He used his body well and showed his experience when defending. He improved as Nigeria became more dominant.

Bruno Onyemaechi – 6.5/10

Onyemaechi worked hard down the left and provided an outlet when Nigeria pushed forward. His attacking contribution was useful, although the final delivery was not encouraging most times.

His defending was also good, as he hardly left any breathing space for the Malagasy. Although, there were a few times he was caught out when the Barea were attacking. But he was well covered by his teammates.

Wilfred Ndidi – 7/10

The captain grew into the match. Ndidi helped Nigeria regain control of midfield after the early setback and was particularly influential in the second half as the Super Eagles increased the pressure. His attacking influence though was not the best, but in reality, that has never been the best part of his game.

Alex Iwobi – 7/10

Iwobi was one of Nigeria’s more influential players. He helped connect midfield with the attack and was involved in the build-up to Ilenikhena’s equalizer, giving what was a brilliant assist. He also had a goal ruled out after Akor Adams was penalised for a foul on the goalkeeper.

Iwobi was the midfielder who was always looking to pick that dangerous pass and dictate the team’s attack. It was a good day in the office.

Samuel Chukwueze – 6/10

Chukwueze showed flashes of his ability but struggled to consistently influence the game in the final third. Madagascar’s compact defensive approach limited him. It also seemed like Ruben Amorim’s style of play has gotten etched in his head.

He kept driving into the final third and unleashing in-swingers, all of which none of his teammates could not use. His final ball was just not there on the night.

Ademola Lookman – 6.0/10

Lookman had some promising moments but did not produce the decisive attacking contribution expected from one of Nigeria’s biggest threats. He found it difficult to consistently break through Madagascar’s organised defence.

For a player of his quality, fans would have expected far much more. But it was a poor showing from the Atletico Madrid man.

Akor Adams – 6/10

Adams worked hard and offered a physical presence up front, but his influence was limited. His biggest moment came when a goal was ruled out after he was penalised for a foul on the Madagascar goalkeeper.

But in the real sense, Adams was poor. He lacked the cutting edge, his shots were hurried and lacked purpose. He was just way off his normally good levels for Super Eagles.

George Ilenikhena – 8.0/10

What a Super Eagles debut for the Al Ittihad man!

Première sélection, premier but.

George Ilenikhena. 🔫🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/mRThXqAWex

— Naija Football 🇳🇬 (@NaijaFootball_) September 25, 2026

Ilenikhena showed composure to score Nigeria’s equaliser just before half-time, calmly finding the bottom corner to bring Nigeria back into the game.

The Al-Ittihad forward also gave Nigeria greater movement in attack and immediately looked comfortable at international level. However, he could have actually scored more than one goal if he had taken his chances.

Nonetheless, a goal on his debut against Madagascar could hardly have been a better introduction.

Moses Usor – 8.3/10

Usor completely changed the game after coming off the bench. He gave fans what they were expecting from Chukwueze.

🚨 Moses Usor brilliant goal!

🇳🇬 Nigeria 2-1 Madagascar 🇲🇬pic.twitter.com/kODHBVvWWq

— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) September 25, 2026

The LASK forward produced a brilliant solo effort, beating two Madagascar defenders before firing past the goalkeeper at the near post. That goal was a sight for sore eyes. He also looked really good whenever he had the ball

Like Ilenikhena, he scored on his Super Eagles debut. His pace and directness gave Nigeria something different and ultimately decided the match.

Moses Simon – 7/10

Simon entered after the break for Akor Adams and marked his 100th Super Eagles appearance.

He brought experience, energy and width as Nigeria searched for the winner and helped keep Madagascar under pressure with his runs.

Taiwo Awoniyi – 5.5/10

Awoniyi struggled to make an impact after coming on.

The Coventry City striker was recalled to the squad following Victor Osimhen’s injury, but he failed to impose himself on the Madagascar defence during his time on the pitch, albeit that was not much of his fault since his teammates were more interested in retaining possession rather than scoring.

It was a quiet return to competitive international football for the striker.