Hosts Mauritania made the most of home advantage and included a number of young players in their side including the England-based left-back Ahmed Ahmedou.
DR Congo goalkeeper Robert Kidiaba believes his new role as a peace ambassador can help unite his country. "Being a peace ambassador is a daily struggle but we must support peace over hostility, especially among the young people." In his efforts to promote peace through football, Kidiaba can at least count on the support of TP Mazembe owner Moise Katumbi.
Ahmedou is confident Mauritania have the players to achieve a good result and make those fans happy.
Ba's finish came just as Chelsea looked to be on the way out after Schurrle and Oscar were both denied by the woodwork - although the London side were helped by a crucial miss from the normally reliable Edinson Cavani minutes before the decisive goal.
Striker Samuel Eto'o could be available for Chelsea when they face Paris-St Germain in Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg.
Milla returned to the 1994 FIFA World Cup at the age of 42, being the oldest player ever to appear in a World Cup. Cameroon were knocked out in the group stages; however, Milla scored a goal against Russia, setting a record as the oldest goalscorer in a World Cup tournament; a record he set in the previous World Cup edition.
The governance of African football is set to undergo significant change, says the man who organised the 2010 World Cup.
He was the captain of Ghana's national football team for six years (1992-1998) and was one of the first African football players to earn a top placing in FIFA World Player of the Year voting in 1991 and 1992.
Abedi Pele played for Ghana 73 times and is considered the greatest football player in his country's history, and among the best in Africa. Until 7 June 2013 when he was surpassed by Asamoah Gyan, he was the top goal scorer for Ghana with 33 goals.
African Players on the FIFA 100 list:
• Abédi Pelé (Ghana)
• El Hadji Diouf (Senegal)
• George Weah (Liberia)
• Jay Jay Okocha (Nigeria)
• Roger Milla (Cameroon)
Julien Kossi Denke, was Togo's first footballer to play overseas. The defender was more popularly known as Wazo and captained Togo at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Ivory Coast in 1984. Later that year he signed for French second division club Chateauroux from Togolese side Aiglons de Lome.
2027 Africa Cup Qualifiers GROUP L
Nigeria vs Madagascar 2:1
Nigeria Goals
G. Ilenikhena (45'+1)
M. Usor (65')
Nigeria Assists
A. Iwobi (45'+1)
S. Ajayi (65'
Madagascar Goal
E. Kari (16')
Madagascar Assist
R. Ponti (16')
Details
Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
Time: 16:00 GMT
Venue: Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo
Madagascar
Nigeria