Nigeria, Sept. 25 -- Two debutants, George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor, scored as Nigeria came from behind to defeat Madagascar 2-1 in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Friday.

Madagascar stunned the home crowd when Ehsan Kari opened the scoring in the 15th minute, putting the Barea ahead against a Nigeria side seeking a winning start to their qualifying campaign.

Nigeria responded just before halftime through Ilenikhena, who marked his senior international debut with a crucial equaliser in the first-half stoppage time.

The 20-year-old forward, who plays for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, was one of the new faces handed a first senior invitation by head coach Eric Chelle.

His...