Nigeria’s Super Eagles were thoroughly humiliated by lowly rated Madagascar in yet another nightmare at Alexandria, Egypt as the Nigerian were roundly beaten 2-0 in the last group match. The Africa Cup of Nations newcomers stunned Nigeria on Sunday with an emphatic victory over the three-time former champions to clinch a place in the last 16.
Lalaina Nomenjanahary made the best of a defensive blunder by Leon Balogun to round up keeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa in the 13th minute to slot in the first goal.
Nigeria continued to put every foot wrong as the players laboured to make incursion into Madagasar’s vital area until the Gambia referee signaled the end of first half.
Changes made by Coach Gernot Rohr could not redeem the hopeless situation as Wilfred Ndidi deflected a freekick in the 53th minute into his own net to gift Madagascar the second gaol credited to Carolus Andriamahitsinoro.
Rohr dropped five of the players that won against the Guineans including the goal scorer Kenneth Omeruo who was replaced with William Troost-Ekong.
Both Nigeria and Madagascar qualified for the round of 16 with the latter’s 7points to the former’s 6 which may likely pit Nigeria against the Black Stars of Ghana.
Nigeria is rated Third in Africa by FIFA as gainst Madagascar’s 27th slot.
