By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has praised his players for their resilience after Nigeria came from behind to defeat Madagascar 2-1 in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture, Prompt News Online reports.
The Super Eagles secured the victory against the Barea at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday night.
Madagascar took a shock lead in the 16th minute when Kari Eshan rose to head home a cross from the left.
Nigeria responded on the stroke of halftime, with Al-Ittihad forward George Ilenikhena marking his Super Eagles debut with a well-taken equaliser in the 45th minute following a superb pass from Alex Iwobi.
Moses Usor then completed the comeback in the 65th minute, dribbling past two Madagascar defenders before firing the ball into the net.
Speaking after the game, Chelle said it was important for Nigeria to begin the qualifying campaign with a victory.
“We made a mistake and conceded. After that, we had chances to score, but we were too anxious and couldn’t convert them,” Chelle said.
“But in the end, we were able to come back and win the game. That was very important.
“The state of mind was good. They gave everything for the jersey and for the country. I was very happy because Victor was here too.”
The Super Eagles will now shift their attention to their next qualifying fixture against the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday.
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