Madagascar secured top spot in Group B at the Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-0 win over Nigeria on Sunday.
In goal, the Super Eagles gave Ikhechukwu Ezenwa a start with Odion Ighalo and Ahmed Musa retained in the last third of the field.
Despite their bright opening, the Nigerians fell behind 13 minutes in through the boot of Lalaina Nomenjanahary following a defensive error from Leon Balogun.
Nigeria probed for the leveller through Samuel Kalu's low shot after 19 minutes, but the latter failed to find the target with a wayward effort. The match opened up towards the final sector, with each side afforded opportunities in and around the final third of the field.
Gernot Rohr put out the big guns at the restart, with Wilfried Ndidi and John Ogu instituted in the middle of the park. Madagascar, however, doubled their lead 53 minutes gone after Carolus Andriamatsinoro's free-kick deflected past Ezenzwa and into the top corner.
A little later, Nigeria prodded forward for a response but Ndidi's long-range failed to beat Melvin Andrien in the opposite goal.
The Islanders made their first change 62 minutes in, as Faneva Ima Andriatsima came off the bench for William Gros.
Nigeria's search for the elusive reply continued, with Peter Etebo firing blanks in quick succession with close-ditch attempts.
The three-time champions brought on their second change 73 minutes gone, with Moses Simon replacing Samuel Kalu in an attempt to get back in the game.
In the final minutes, the Nigerians battled with all their might to get a breakthrough but fell short as the Islanders reigned victorious.