Alex Iwobi was named Man of the Match after Nigeria came from behind to defeat Madagascar 2-1 in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture in Uyo.
Madagascar stunned the home crowd at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium when Ehsan Kari headed the visitors into the lead in the 16th minute.
Nigeria responded strongly, with Iwobi playing a key role in the equaliser. The midfielder produced a defence-splitting pass for debutant George Ilenikhena, who calmly finished in first-half stoppage time to make it 1-1.
The Super Eagles continued to dominate after the break and completed the comeback in the 65th minute when another debutant, Moses Usor, produced a fine solo run before firing past Madagascar goalkeeper Geoffrey Dupire.
Iwobi had earlier thought he had put Nigeria level in the first half, but his effort was ruled out after Akor Adams was adjudged to have fouled the Madagascar goalkeeper.
The victory gives Nigeria three points from their opening Group L fixture. The Super Eagles will next travel to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, 29 September.
Iwobi’s influential performance, including the assist for Ilenikhena’s equaliser, earned him the Man of the Match award after the hard-fought victory.
