AFCON: Super Eagles slipped off top spot

By Femi Atolagbe
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Upset as lacklustre Super Eagles of Nigeria slipped off the top spot of group B table as they were pounced 2-0 by the African Cup of Nations debutant, Madagascar.

The match day 3 of the group decided at the Alexandria stadium saw goals from Lalaïna Nomenjanahary and Carlois Andriamahitsinoro settle the clash as Nicolas Dupais tutored side finished on top of group B.

The 108th- ranked team is competing in the tournament for the first time and was unfancied against the three time African Champions.

Barea of Madagascar headed into the game on the back of a win against Burundi.

The Nicolas Dupais men, battled well and were a threat on the break against the Eagles, who appeared to have the next stage of the competition on their mind.

Nigeria advanced in second place and this was a wake -up call for them.

The opening goal came from John Ogu’s 12th minute back pass to defender, Leon Balogun interception with ease.

Balogun called for the ball but hesitated as he approached and dithered, he also lost  his footing. That gave Nomenjanahary the time to nip in the ball and showed composure to round Nigeria goal keeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa and tap into an empty net.

Samuel Kali, curled an effort wide as Nigeria sought a quick response even though they controlled possessions, they struggled to create clear cut opportunities.

Madagascar  doubled the lead in the 53rd minute as Andriamahitsimoro’s free- kick took a deflection off half- time substitute Wilfred Ndidi.

The deflection wrong-footed Ezenwa before bouncing in off the right post.

As the match ended 2-0 in favour of Madagascar, Nigeria was unable to pull a goal back, both sides now turn their attention to the round of 16.