NIGERIA BEGIN AFCON QUALIFIERS WITH COMEBACK WIN

Nigeria opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo on Friday, while Senegal were held to a 1-1 draw by Mozambique in Patrick Vieira’s first competitive match as coach.

Madagascar took the lead in the 16th minute when Ehsan Kari converted a set-piece opportunity. Nigeria struggled to turn their early possession into clear chances before George Ilenikhena equalised in first-half stoppage time on his competitive debut for the Super Eagles.

Moses Usor completed Nigeria’s comeback in the 65th minute, scoring after a strong individual move to give Eric Chelle’s side all three points. The victory came without injured striker Victor Osimhen, who was ruled out of the opening qualifiers.

In Mozambique, Senegal took the lead through Nicolas Jackson in the 32nd minute, but Geny Catamo equalised shortly before half-time. Senegal dominated possession after the break but could not find a second goal as the match ended 1-1.

The results marked different starts for the two West African sides as the qualifying campaign got underway. Nigeria will next face Guinea-Bissau, while Senegal are scheduled to meet Ethiopia in their second Group J fixture.