Nigeria’s Super Eagles have begun their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

The visitors took an early lead in the 16th minute when Clément Couturier headed Ryan Ponti’s cross beyond the Nigerian defence to put Madagascar 1-0 ahead.

Nigeria responded with sustained pressure as George Ilenikhena came close on several occasions. The young forward eventually got his reward in first-half stoppage time after Alex Iwobi picked him out inside the box. Ilenikhena calmly placed the ball into the bottom-left corner to restore parity.

The Super Eagles returned for the second half looking for a winner, with Ademola Lookman and Calvin Bassey both going close.

Coach Eric Chelle then made changes, bringing on Moses Usor and Moses Simon in an attempt to add more attacking energy.

The substitutions quickly paid off.

In the 65th minute, Usor collected a pass from Semi Ajayi inside Nigeria’s half, drove forward past two Madagascar players and finished with his left foot to give Nigeria a 2-1 advantage.

The goal marked an impressive competitive debut for the LASK winger.

Madagascar refused to give up and created opportunities as they searched for an equaliser. Nigeria also had chances to extend their lead, but the Super Eagles ultimately held on to secure all three points.

The victory gives Nigeria a positive start in Group L of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Their next assignment will be an away match against Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

The 2027 AFCON finals will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, with Tanzania already assured of a place as one of the co-hosts.

Akwa Ibom State is set to host the maiden edition of the La Reine Cycling Marathon, with professional and amateur cyclists from across Nigeria expected to participate in the event.

The cycling marathon is scheduled to take place in Uyo from October 26 to November 1, 2026, according to the organisers.

The event’s convener, Imaobong Umoh, said the marathon is designed to promote wellness, fitness and healthy living while also providing a platform for identifying emerging cycling talents in Nigeria.

She said the competition would feature several categories, including elite male and female professionals, amateurs, juniors, intermediate riders, veterans and fun riders. Special displays by skaters and power bikers are also expected.

The organisers said the race has been sanctioned by the Cycling Federation of Nigeria and will comply with international cycling standards.

The marathon will also include a 100-kilometre route for elite and amateur cyclists, while fun riders will participate in shorter 25-kilometre and 10-kilometre rides. The main route will pass through parts of Uyo, including Nwaniba and Ring Road 3, before ending at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

To ensure safety, the organisers said they are working with the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigeria Police, health authorities and emergency services. Ambulances, medical teams and road marshals are expected to be deployed along the routes.

Umoh said the marathon would also provide an opportunity to showcase Akwa Ibom’s tourism attractions and position the state as a destination for cycling and sporting events.

Cash prizes and wellness packages are expected to be available for participants, with further details to be announced by the organisers.

The organisers also plan to make the cycling marathon an annual event, with participation expected to expand to cyclists from all 36 states from next year.

Super Eagles midfielder Alhassan Yusuf has been left out of Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, with injury emerging as the main reason for his absence.

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle named his squad for the September qualifiers, but Yusuf was not included despite his strong performances for both the Super Eagles and New England Revolution in recent months.

Yusuf Ruled Out With Hamstring Injury

According to reports, the New England Revolution midfielder suffered a hamstring injury during his club’s 2-1 victory over New York City FC.

Yusuf was forced off in the 19th minute after picking up the injury following a challenge, and the problem is expected to keep him out for several weeks.

Soccernet reports that the 26-year-old could be sidelined for up to six weeks, ruling him out of Nigeria’s two September AFCON qualifying matches.

Another Nigerian football outlet, OwnGoalNigeria, also reported that Yusuf had been ruled out of the qualifiers because of a hamstring injury.

His Recent Super Eagles Form Had Put Him in Contention

Yusuf’s omission comes despite an impressive return to the national team earlier this year.

The midfielder played a key role in Nigeria’s 2026 Unity Cup campaign and was particularly influential in the final against Jamaica, where he scored twice as the Super Eagles secured a 3-0 victory.

His performances had strengthened his case for continued involvement under Chelle after he was previously left out of Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 AFCON.

Chelle Was Expected to Consider Yusuf

Yusuf had been among the midfielders competing for places in Chelle’s squad following his performances for New England Revolution and Nigeria.

His absence from the latest squad is therefore understood to be injury-related rather than a fresh decision to drop him from the coach’s plans.

Chelle has also had to make other changes to his squad because of injuries, with reports indicating that several players were unavailable or doubtful ahead of the qualifiers.

When Will Yusuf Return?

The length of Yusuf’s recovery will determine when he can return to action for New England Revolution and the Super Eagles.

With Nigeria’s September fixtures coming too soon for the midfielder, his immediate priority will be recovering fully before attempting to return to club football and, subsequently, the national team.

Nigeria are scheduled to face Madagascar on September 25 before travelling to Morocco to play Guinea-Bissau on September 29 in their opening 2027 AFCON qualifying fixtures.