Debut goals by Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia striker, George Osazehmen Ilenikhena and Miaes Usor from LASK of Austria saved the Super Eagles on Friday from potential defeat at home by less-fancied Madagascar.
Sports247 reports that Nigeria’s first on the evening in Uyo came from Ilenikhena, as the former Amiens and AS Monaco of France striker, who last played for Antwerp of Belgium, struck in the 46th minute of the game at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo with a timely equaliser.
Usor later got off the Eagles’ bench early in the second half to make it 2-1 in favour of the Eagles, who looked out of sort and struggled for rhythm, but went into the break level due to Ilenikhena’a 46th minute effort.
That late effort saw him join an array of stars who struck on their debuts for Nigeria, which includes Julius Efosa Aghagowa, Femi Opabunmi, Obafemi Akinwunmi Martins, Stephen Ayodele Makinwa, Ekhigo Ehiosun, Brian Idowu, Femi Azeez and Akor Adams, who started in attack on Friday.
Ilenikhena’s effort helped pump the Eagles’ back into Friday’s opening game of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, as the visitors from Antananarivo shot ahead after 16 minutes with a stunning header from Eshan that left Stanley Nwabali rooted to the spot.
Dramatically, Ilenikhena got another chance to make it two just 60 seconds after netting, but his weak header went off mark and both teams went into the tunnel level at 1-1 on a rainy day in the capital of Akwa Ibom State.
Nigeria was saved further embarrassment early in the second half, as Nwabali had to stay calm and react at the right moment to prevent an onrushing Madagascar attacker from scoring from a one-on-one situation, following which the visitor’s keeper also pulled off a snap save from an Eagles’ corner kick.
The Eagles continued labouring to take control of the game, as Madagascar grew more adventurous and kept tearing their hosts’ defence apart, causing Eric Chelle to yank off Adams, who looked lost in attack.
Dramatically, the man who replaced Adams in the 63rd minute helped turn the game around full circle for the hists, as Usor’s debut goal took the sail out of the visitors, giving Chelle enough confidence to replace Ilenikhena and off-form Ademola Lookman with Taiwo Awoniyi and Tolu Arokodare respectively.
Moses Simon soon got off the Eagles’ bench for his much-expected and well-celebrated 100th cap but, despite adding spark to the Nigerian attack from the left flank and with four minutes added to regulation time, no other goal came forth, as Chelle heaved a heavy sigh at the final whistle.
Sports247 reports further that the 2-1 win gives Chelle’s squad a dose of confidence, as they head to the airport on Saturday for the flight further to the West Coast, where they will play away to Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday.
