News Investigators/ Football fans in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have hailed the Super Eagles’ comeback victory over Madagascar in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
They urged the team to maintain focus and secure another victory against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) ports that Nigeria defeated Madagascar 2-1 on Friday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, coming from behind to secure three points in their opening Group L fixture.
Madagascar took the lead in the 16th minute when Clément Couturier found the net, as the Super Eagles struggled to convert their possession into clear-cut chances against a disciplined Barea defence.
Nigeria restored parity in first-half stoppage time through debutant George Ilenikhena, who found the bottom corner in the 46th minute to send both teams into the break level at 1-1.
The Super Eagles returned for the second half with greater attacking intent. They completed the comeback in the 65th minute through another debutant, Moses Usor, who scored five minutes after coming on.
Usor produced a brilliant solo run from his own half before finding the net to put Nigeria ahead and secure a memorable debut.
Speaking in an interview with NAN in Abuja, Abubakar Ahmed, a football fan at Lighthouse Viewing Centre said the victory showed that Nigeria had more attacking options but needed greater cohesion and consistency.
“The victory showed that the Super Eagles have alternatives, although the team still needs greater attacking fluidity and consistency rather than relying on individual moments,” he said.
Ahmed described the performances of Ilenikhena and Usor as major positives, as both players scored on their senior international debuts.
“I am currently a physical health teacher.
“Congratulations to Moses Simon for earning his 100th cap for the Super Eagles as he joins the centurion club after featuring against Madagascar.
“He became the fifth Nigeria footballer to reach 100 senior International appearances joining Ahmed Musa, Vincent Eyeama, Joseph Yobo and Alex Iwobi, I wish him best of luck in his career.”
Another fan, Babatunde Babaye, said he was pleased with the victory but urged the team to remain focused ahead of the encounter with Guinea-Bissau.
“I am just happy that we won. Two debutants, two goals. Ilenikhena and Usor turned it around for the Eagles,” he said.
He urged the players to avoid distractions and improve on their slow start, stressing that Nigeria must be more clinical and avoid conceding an early goal in the next fixture.
Felix Obinna, a provision seller and Super Eagles fan, expressed concern about Nigeria’s defensive organisation, particularly during Madagascar’s counter-attacks.
“Every Madagascan counter-attack looked like it could lead to a goal. We did not have enough cover in midfield,” he said.
He, however, praised Usor’s impact after replacing Samuel Chukwueze, saying the youngster’s goal demonstrated the value of giving younger players opportunities in the national team.
Seyi Aderogba, another fan, highlighted the impact of Nigeria’s substitutions, saying Tolu Arokodare nearly made an immediate impact when he struck the post from an Alex Iwobi pass.
Aderogba said the substitutions by coach Eric Chelle showed that the technical crew had a plan, but urged the coach to continue working on the team’s defensive and midfield organisation.
“Madagascar’s goal exposed a lapse in Nigeria’s defensive organisation. Against stronger opposition, such lapses could be punished more severely.
“The turnout at the viewing centre today is low, I also want to plead for supporters to criticise the coach and players constructively,” he said.
Adeleke Emmanuel, another fan, said Nigeria must prepare for a difficult encounter against Guinea-Bissau, who opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Tanzania.
“When we meet Guinea-Bissau, we have to fight hard because of the slow start against Madagascar. We cannot afford to concede an early goal again,” he said.
“Congratulations to Simon, who earns his 100th cap for the Super Eagles as he joins the centurion club by featuring against Madagascar, triple congratulations to Nigeria. Not easy broo. He deserves it.”
NAN reports that the result leaves Nigeria with three points from their opening Group L fixture, while Guinea-Bissau moved to the top of the group after defeating Tanzania 2-0.
The Super Eagles will face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday before taking on Russia in an international friendly on Oct. 6.
NAN reports that AFCON 2027 qualifiers started Sept. 21 and will end March 28, 2027.
NAN