Nigeria/Senegal: Nigeria Prevail but Senegal Draw On Vieira's Debut in 2027 Afcon Qualifiers

What the report says

Nigeria opened its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 home victory over Madagascar in Uyo, according to RFI via AllAfrica. The match turned after Madagascar led early through Ehsan Kari, before 20-year-old George Ilenikhena equalized on his Nigeria debut just before half-time and Moses Usor scored the decisive second-half goal. Eric Chelle’s side next face Guinea-Bissau.

The same round also brought mixed results for other major African teams. Morocco began their Group A campaign with a 2-0 win over Gabon in Rabat, while Senegal were held to a 1-1 draw away to Mozambique in Patrick Vieira’s first match in charge. Nicolas Jackson put Senegal ahead, but Geny Catamo leveled before the break, and Senegal could not find a winner despite having more possession.

Elsewhere, Egypt and Angola finished scoreless in Cairo, and Sudan beat Ethiopia 1-0 in another Group I fixture. In Group A’s other match, Niger defeated Lesotho 2-1. The article noted that Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, as co-hosts of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, are already assured of tournament places, while only one other team from their qualifying groups will advance. The results matter because they help shape the road to the expanded 24-team finals scheduled for 2027.