2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers: Madagascar worries Nigeria, 1-1 at halftime

Nigeria and Madagascar are tied 1-1 at halftime in this first match of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers.

This opening act, played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, featured an intense and fiercely contested battle between the two teams.

The Barea of Madagascar surprised everyone by taking the lead in the 16th minute, with Kari scoring after a perfect pass from Ponti.

Despite being outplayed on the field, the Super Eagles, backed by their fans, ramped up their efforts to equalize in stoppage time of the first half (45+1′) with a goal from George Ilenikhena, who capitalized on an assist from Alex Iwobi.