5 Super Eagles takeaways from Nigeria’s comeback win over Madagascar

New Super Eagles forward George Ilenikhena could hardly have scripted a more dramatic introduction to Nigerian football, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 20-year-old Al-Ittihad striker climbed off the international starting blocks with a goal on debut as Nigeria recovered from an early setback to beat Madagascar 2-1 in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

Nigeria had to work for the three points. Madagascar stunned the hosts in the 16th minute through Clement Couturier, while Alex Iwobi saw a goal ruled out after Akor Adams was penalised for a foul on the goalkeeper. The pressure eventually told when Ilenikhena struck just before half-time, restoring belief inside a tense Uyo stadium.

The second half brought another twist. Stanley Nwabali produced a crucial one-on-one save seven minutes after the restart before Eric Chelle changed the complexion of the contest with his substitutions. Moses Simon came on for his 100th Nigeria appearance, while Moses Usor entered for his senior debut alongside him.

Usor needed only four minutes to turn his debut into another headline. After Oluwasemilogo Ajayi cleared a Madagascar corner, the LASK forward controlled the ball inside his own half, powered away from two defenders and smashed a left-footed finish into the near post. Nigeria survived late pressure to secure three points, although Tolu Arokodare hit the post in the 74th minute.

Super Eagles takeaways vs Madagascar

1. Ilenikhena delivers the dream debut after choosing Nigeria

There was history wrapped inside Ilenikhena's equaliser. Born in Lagos and raised in France from the age of three, the striker was eligible to represent both countries and had spent months weighing his international future before committing to Nigeria.

Chelle rewarded that decision with a senior call-up, and Ilenikhena repaid him almost immediately. His first Nigeria appearance ended with his first Nigeria goal, scored at the most useful moment possible, seconds before half-time when Madagascar appeared poised to carry their shock lead into the dressing room.

The teenager's European pedigree had already offered clues. Monaco recorded 51 appearances and 10 goals during his two seasons with the French club, including a memorable Champions League winner against Barcelona. Now he has his first senior international goal to add to the collection.

2. Nigeria are learning to live without Osimhen

Victor Osimhen's absence was supposed to cast a long shadow over Nigeria's opening qualifier. The Galatasaray striker was ruled out of both September fixtures after suffering a muscle strain in his right thigh against Başakşehir, leaving Chelle without a forward who has scored 35 goals in 52 Super Eagles appearances.

Nigeria instead found goals through two debutants. Ilenikhena levelled the match and Usor completed the comeback, while Arokodare hit the post and Lookman repeatedly threatened. The performance did not erase Osimhen's importance, but it offered Chelle something invaluable: evidence that his attack has more than one route to goal.

That is also a reflection of the coach's squad-building. Chelle handed first senior call-ups to Ilenikhena, Isaac James and Arthur Okonkwo in September, while Usor joined the group after Femi Azeez's injury.

3. Bassey strengthens his case as Africa's defensive standard

Calvin Bassey played with the authority of a defender who expects danger before it arrives. Against Madagascar, the Fulham centre-back was composed in possession, aggressive in duels and difficult to beat as Nigeria absorbed the visitors' bursts of pressure.

The wider numbers explain why expectations around Bassey have risen so sharply. Fulham's official statistics list 31 duels and 20 won across his first six Premier League appearances this season, alongside 17 clearances and four interceptions. He also played 30 Premier League matches last season, starting 28.

His display in Uyo strengthens the argument that Bassey belongs in any conversation about Africa's elite defenders. It was less about spectacular tackles than control, positioning and the ability to make difficult moments look ordinary.

4. Nwabali shows there is no rust in Nigeria's No.1

Nwabali's club situation had created legitimate questions. He left Chippa United in February after requesting his release and spent months without a club before returning to the South African side in July.

None of that appeared to matter when Madagascar broke through after the interval. Seven minutes into the second half, Nwabali stood tall in a one-on-one situation and denied the visitors what could have been a devastating second goal.

Maduka Okoye has also featured for Nigeria this year, starting against Iran, Poland and Portugal, but Nwabali's latest intervention strengthens his claim to the shirt.

5. Usor has just made Chukwueze's battle for minutes fascinating

Samuel Chukwueze had offered plenty before leaving the pitch. His direct running troubled Madagascar and he was one of Nigeria's livelier attacking outlets during the first half.

Then Usor arrived and changed the temperature of the match.

The LASK forward was introduced alongside Moses Simon around the hour mark and scored four minutes later, combining strength, acceleration and a sumptuous left foot to carry the ball from inside Nigeria's half before beating the goalkeeper at the near post.

Usor's club form made the call-up logical. He produced 15 goals and 10 assists in 35 matches across all competitions for LASK last season and helped the Austrian club win the league and cup double. He also scored and assisted in LASK's remarkable Champions League comeback against Celtic in August.

One debut does not settle Nigeria's winger hierarchy, but Usor has certainly forced himself into the conversation. Chukwueze has competition, and Chelle now has another attacker capable of changing a game from the bench.

Nigeria's reward is three points, but the larger prize may be what Uyo revealed about this squad. Ilenikhena and Usor arrived as newcomers and left as match-winners, Nwabali answered questions with his hands, Bassey commanded the back line and Chelle's options suddenly look considerably deeper without Osimhen.

The next challenge comes quickly. Nigeria face Guinea-Bissau in Morocco on September 29, with CAF's Group L format carrying unusual pressure because co-hosts Tanzania are already guaranteed a place at AFCON 2027. Only the highest-ranked non-host nation in the group will qualify.