This archive report was first published on 30 June 2019.
Published on June 30, 2019, Nigeria's Super Eagles suffered a surprise 2-0 defeat to Madagascar in the AFCON 2019 Group B clash, losing their top spot in the process.
The match, played on June 24, 2019, saw Madagascar take the lead in the 13th minute after a defensive blunder by Nigeria's Leon Balogun allowed Lalaina Nomenjanahary to score.
Madagascar doubled their lead in the 53rd minute after Carolus Andriamahitsinoro's free-kick was deflected by Wilfred Ndidi before beating Ezenwa in goal for Nigeria.
Nigeria's coach, Gernot Rohr, made several changes in the second half, including bringing in Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon, but the changes did not have much impact in the game.
The Super Eagles' lacklustre performance meant they suffered their first defeat at AFCON 2019 and surrendered the top spot in Group B to Madagascar, who finished first with seven points.
Super Eagles are now second on six points, while Guinea, who beat Burundi 2-0, finished third on four points.
Nigeria could now face runners-up in Group F in the round of 16, with Ghana currently occupying that position.
