By Ayo Kehinde
Lalaina Nomenjanahary dribbling keeper Ezenwan to tap in the first goal in the 13th minute.
New comers to the AFCON, Madagascar has produced an upset by whipping Nigeria 2-0 in a match fews days before a heavy entourage from Nigeria would travel to Egypt with the aim to motivate and inspire the players before the knockout stage matches.
On July 6, President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan would lead the 11-man delegation which comprised Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, former Minister of Sports Solomon Dalong, governors of Delta, Plateau and Lagos States, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and Central Bank Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele. Others in the list which was approved by President Buhari, are Habu Gumel, the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Capt Nosa Wells Okunbo and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youths and Sports, Mr Olusade Adesol and Director of Facilities in the Ministry, Muhammadu Gambo. Hopefully, when the delegation arrives Egypt and visit the players in the camp, they may be able to do some pep talk to save what ever remains of their sagging image and spirit.
The debutant Madagascar team, which is ranked108 in the world trounced Nigeria, three times winner of the cup and ranked 45 by Fifa.
Lalaina Nomenjanahary who opened scoring in the 13th min stunned Nigeria by pouncing on a defensive error to claim an early opener.
Carolus Andriamatsinoro’s deflected free-kick then ensured Madagascar went into the last 16 as winners of Group B.
In a match dominated by Nigeria, the Super Eagles could not find the back of the net as the newcomers pushed them back and feasted on their errors.
Madagascar doubled their lead as Andriamatsinoro’s 25-yard free-kick in the 53rd min was deflected by Nigeria substitute Wilfred Ndidi. With the win, Madagascar becomes winner of group B and has entered the last round of 16.
