Nigeria overcame an early scare in Uyo on Friday, rallying from behind to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Madagascar in their opening AFCON 2027 Group L qualifier.
Playing at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, the Super Eagles found themselves under immediate pressure when Ehsan Kari capitalized on a 16th-minute setup from Ryan Ponti to give the visitors a surprise lead. Missing talismanic striker Victor Osimhen due to a muscle injury, Nigeria struggled to establish a rhythm early under head coach Eric Chelle.
However, the hosts turned the game on its head through their younger attack. George Ilenikhena slotted home an Alex Iwobi pass in first-half stoppage time to level the score before substitute Moses Usor completed the comeback in the 65th minute off a delivery from Semi Ajayi.
Nigeria’s comeback was part of a packed opening slate of AFCON 2027 qualifiers that also saw Rwanda, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Malawi, and Togo claim maximum points.
High Stakes in Group L
Nigeria’s recovery keeps them on track in a uniquely structured Group L. Because Tanzania automatically qualifies as one of the three co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda, only the highest-ranked team among the remaining non-host nations will earn a ticket to the finals.
That reality puts extra emphasis on Nigeria’s upcoming clash against Guinea-Bissau on September 29. The Djurtus sent a clear warning signal across the group on Friday by storming past Tanzania with a sharp 2-0 away victory. Franculino opened the scoring in the 33rd minute before Mama Baldé doubled the lead early in the second half.
With both Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau sitting on three points, their midweek showdown in Bissau promises to carry significant weight in deciding who takes charge of Group L.
Friday Qualifying Highlights Around the Continent
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Rwanda Stun Liberia: The Amavubi turned in the most dominant display of the opening round, dismantling Liberia 3-1 in Group K. Abeddy Biramahire opened the scoring just two minutes in, while Mickels Leroy Jacques and Mickels Joy Lance added to the tally before the break to seal a comfortable win.
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Late Drama for The Gambia: In Group C, The Gambia edged Somalia 2-1 thanks to an 83rd-minute winner from substitute Muhammed Badamosi. Ebrima Colley had given the Scorpions an early lead from the penalty spot before Bilal Njie temporarily leveled for Somalia.
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Malawi and Togo Hold Firm: Malawi opened their Group B account with a 2-1 home victory over South Sudan, powered by goals from Babatunde Adepoju and Lloyd Njaliwa. Meanwhile, Togo earned a disciplined 1-0 away win against Burundi in Group I, courtesy of a 17th-minute strike by Dermane Karim.
Looking Ahead
With 48 nations split into 12 groups competing for spots at the tournament—scheduled to run across East Africa from June 19 to July 17, 2027—getting off to a strong start is critical.
For Nigeria, navigating past Madagascar without Osimhen proved that the squad’s attacking depth can deliver under pressure. However, with Guinea-Bissau showing early form, Eric Chelle’s side will need to tighten up defensively if they hope to sweep their opening international window.
