Super Eagles: Moses Usor’s stunning debut creates new problem for Samuel Chukwueze

Super Eagles star Samuel Chukwueze left the pitch in Uyo with Nigeria’s attack looking tamed by hard-fighting Madagascar on matchday one of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Afrik-Foot reports.

Four minutes after the AC Milan winger’s replacement arrived, the Super Eagles were ahead, after completing a pleasing comeback 2-1 victory.

Moses Usor’s remarkable introduction has given Eric Chelle a fresh selection dilemma on the right wing. Once the Super Eagles’ undisputed starter, Chukwueze is set to face a new challenge posed by the likes of Usor at present, as well as Femi Azeez and Zadok Yohanna in the long-term.

Super Eagles: Chukwueze made way, Usor seized the moment

Chukwueze started on the right as Nigeria fell behind Madagascar in the 16th minute through Ehsan Kari, but the former Villarreal and Fulham winger was among Nigeria’s more dangerous attacking outlets before half-time. The 27-year-old also played a part in creating openings as the Super Eagles searched for a response.

George Ilenikhena eventually restored parity in first-half stoppage time, setting the stage for Chelle to alter his attack after the interval.

The coach sent on Usor for Chukwueze around the hour mark, alongside Moses Simon for Akor Adams. The switch transformed the contest almost immediately.

Usor received Semi Ajayi’s headed pass in the 65th minute, drove forward from inside Nigeria’s half, burst beyond two defenders and cut inside before drilling a left-footed shot into the bottom-right corner past goalkeeper Geordan Dupire.

How would you rate Chukwueze performance on a scale of 1/10? pic.twitter.com/8VqeplEknk

— femi pereira (@iamfemipereira) September 26, 2026

Chelle later made clear that Chukwueze’s withdrawal was tactical, not injury-related. The coach said his winger had “finished the first half well” but appeared tired, prompting him to introduce fresh energy through Usor and Simon.

The problem for Chukwueze is that Usor did exactly what a substitute is asked to do, then did something far more damaging to his rival’s claim for the shirt. He won Nigeria the match.

Usor has turned the right wing into a real contest

Usor did not arrive in the Super Eagles camp as an unknown quantity. The 24-year-old produced 15 goals and 10 assists in 35 matches across all competitions for LASK last season. His goal contributions helped the Austrian club win the Bundesliga and Austrian Cup. He also scored and assisted during LASK’s Champions League qualifying comeback against Celtic.

His debut has now supplied something statistics from Austria could not and that is proof that he can translate that attacking threat into a competitive international match.

A one-man show from Moses Usor, finished in style on Nigeria’s road through the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2027 qualifiers. 🇳🇬⚡️ pic.twitter.com/gas8jcYtZj

— CAF (@CAF_Online) September 26, 2026

Chukwueze, meanwhile, brings experience from four AFCON tournaments and 60 Super Eagles appearances into the equation, giving Chelle a vastly more seasoned option on the flank. However, Chukwueze has struggled with consistency at international and club level in recent times and the arrival of Usor to the scene could do his focus and output a world of good.

Still, Chelle would be pleased he has several possibilities before Tuesday’s trip to Guinea-Bissau. He could hand Usor his first international start, or retain Chukwueze while keeping the newcomer as a high-impact weapon from the bench.

Nigeria’s next Group L fixture comes on September 29 against Guinea-Bissau, who opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Tanzania. Usor has won the hearts of many Super Eagles fans with his display against Madagascar. He could become Chelle’s long-term solution to the right-wing problem with another excellent showing in Bissau.