Moses Usor’s Super Eagles debut went from promising cameo to unforgettable night in the space of a few explosive seconds on Friday against Madagascar, Soccernet.ng reports.
This comes as the LASK winger produced the decisive moment in Nigeria’s 2-1 comeback victory over the Barea at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Nigeria had been forced to chase the game after Madagascar stunned the home crowd in the 16th minute. Clément Couturier rose to meet Ryan Ponti’s cross and directed his header beyond Stanley Nwabali, leaving Eric Chelle’s side facing an early setback in their opening AFCON 2027 qualifying fixture.
The Super Eagles spent much of the first half trying to prise open a stubborn Madagascar defence, with Ademola Lookman coming close to an equaliser before Nigeria finally found their breakthrough deep into stoppage time.
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George Ilenikhena, making his own senior Nigeria debut after choosing the Super Eagles ahead of France, showed the composure of a far more experienced international when he converted Alex Iwobi’s pass to restore parity.
The momentum shifted after the interval, but Nigeria needed another spark to complete the turnaround.
Super Eagles: Usor delivers, Oshoala reacts
Chelle found that spark on his bench. The Super Eagles coach introduced Usor in the second half, replacing Samuel Chukwueze, and the 24-year-old wasted little time announcing himself.
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In the 65th minute, Semi Ajayi’s headed pass released Usor into space. The LASK attacker drove towards the Madagascar penalty area, skipped past two defenders and cut inside before unleashing a fierce left-footed effort that flashed into the bottom-right corner beyond goalkeeper Geordan Dupire.
It was Usor’s first competitive appearance for Nigeria and his first senior international goal, turning what had looked like a difficult evening into a personal dream debut.
The quality of the finish also caught the attention of former Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala, who reacted almost immediately on X.
“What a goal …. Moses Usor,” Oshoala wrote.
Usor’s strike ultimately settled the contest as Nigeria held on for a 2-1 victory in Uyo, giving Chelle three points from their opening AFCON 2027 qualifier.
The Super Eagles, though, sit in second place in Group L after Guinea-Bissau claimed an unexpected 2-0 win away to Tanzania.
