Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle has said Nigeria could have scored five or six goals against Madagascar despite needing a comeback to secure a 2-1 victory in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match in Uyo on Friday.
Madagascar took the lead through Ehsan Kari in the 16th minute before debutant George Ilenikhena equalised in first-half stoppage time. Another debutant, Moses Usor, completed Nigeria’s comeback in the second half to give the Super Eagles all three points.
“We made a mistake and conceded. After that, we had chances to score, but we were too anxious and couldn’t convert them,” Chelle told reporters after the match. “But in the end, we were able to come back and win the game. That was very important. The state of mind was good. They gave everything for the jersey and for the country.”
Chelle also praised goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali for an important save and said Madagascar’s defensive approach made the contest difficult. “Madagascar parked the box, which made things difficult for us. In the second half, we could have scored more goals,” he said. “It could have been five or six goals in our favour. Overall, I’m happy with the outcome of the game and the desire shown by the players.”
