- Madagascar vs Nigeria Group B clash at the AFCON 2019 ended 2-0 in favour of the Barea
- The Super Eagles went down in the 13th minute via Lalaina Nomenjanahary
- Madagascar doubled their lead in the 53rd minute after Carolus Andriamahitsinoro's free-kick was deflected by Ndidi before beating Ezenwa who was in goal for Nigeria
Nigeria's Super Eagles suffered a surprise defeat in the hands of Madagascar as they fell 2-0 to the Barea to surrender the first spot in Group B to their opponent.
Madagascar took the lead in the 13th minute from a defensive blunder by Brighton defender Leon Balogun.
The defender allowed Lalaina Nomenjanahary to steal the ball from him before the striker dribbled past Ezenwa to tap home from close range.
In the 30th minute, Nigeria had a very good chance to level matters as Ahmed Musa was found free in the box
But the attacker decided to dribble the goalkeeper when he could have taken his shot immediately.
Nigeria failed to create many clear cut chances as Mikel again played in the no. 10 position for Nigeria as the first half ended 1-0 in favour of Madagascar.
At the start of the second half, coach Rohr brought in Wilfred Ndidi for John Ogu, but the substitute was the guilty party this time around for the second goal.
After giving away a free-kick in a dangerous position, Ndidi could only watch as his deflection allowed Carolus Andriamahitsinoro's shot made his way into the net.
Rohr was forced to make more changes as he brought in Alex Iwobi for John Obi Mikel and Moses Simon for Samuel Kalu.
But the changes did not have much impact in the game as Nigeria failed to create any chance through the match.
A lacklustre performance means the Super Eagles suffered their first defeat at AFCON 2019 and surrendered top of Group B slot to Madagscar who finished first with seven points.
Super Eagles are 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.
Source: Tuko.co.ke
