George Ilenikhena marked his Super Eagles debut in spectacular fashion, scoring Nigeria’s equaliser in their 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
The 20-year-old Al-Ittihad forward was handed a starting role by head coach Éric Chelle in the absence of injured striker Victor Osimhen and repaid the coach’s faith with a composed finish at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.
Madagascar stunned the home crowd by taking the lead in the 16th minute when defender Ehsan Kari headed home from a well-worked set piece.
Nigeria dominated possession but struggled to find a way through a disciplined Madagascar defence.
That changed in first-half stoppage time when Ilenikhena found the breakthrough.
The Lagos-born forward received a perfectly weighted through ball from Alex Iwobi, controlled it under pressure and calmly slotted his finish into the bottom corner to restore parity before the interval.
The goal capped a memorable first half for Ilenikhena, who was making his competitive debut for the Super Eagles after recently committing his international future to Nigeria.
Nigeria completed the comeback in the 65th minute through another debutant, Moses Usor.
Introduced as a second-half substitute, the LASK winger produced a stunning individual effort, carrying the ball from deep before beating defenders and firing a low left-footed strike into the near post.
The goal secured all three points for the Super Eagles and gave Nigeria a winning start to their Group L qualifying campaign.
Ilenikhena Delighted With Dream Debut
Speaking after the match, Ilenikhena expressed his delight at scoring on his first appearance for Nigeria.
“I feel very happy and proud to score my first goal with this national team,” he said. “It is a very big step for me in my young career. I am very happy and hope for more.”
The young striker also revealed that making an impact had been on his mind before kick-off.
“Before the match, I was thinking to do my best, to give my best on the pitch, to help the team, and to score my first goal.”
Born in Lagos and raised in France from the age of three, Ilenikhena developed through the French football system before making his name with Royal Antwerp and AS Monaco. He subsequently joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad.
The forward also identified Nigerian legends Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha and Victor Osimhen among his football inspirations.
Osimhen, who was unavailable because of injury, watched the match from the stands and celebrated when Ilenikhena found the net.
Following the game, Ilenikhena shared his excitement on social media, writing:
“Proud to have made my debut with the national team. We keep working.”
The victory gives Nigeria three valuable points to begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
Chelle’s side will now turn their attention to their next Group L fixture, an away meeting with Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, with both Ilenikhena and Usor hoping their impressive debuts can lead to further opportunities with the Super Eagles.
