The Super Eagles of Nigeria started its quest for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title with a 1-0 victory over the Pharaohs Egypt at the Roumde Adjia Stadium in Garoua, Cameroon.
Nantes’ forward, Moses Simon could’ve given Nigeria the lead in the 27th minute after firing narrowly wide from closed range.
The goal would later come three minutes later, through Kelechi Iheanacho who received a lovely headed pass from Joe Aribo and fired a rifled left-footed shot into the top right corner.
Taiwo Awoniyi thought he had doubled the Eagles’ lead but could only hit the cross bar with a closed ranger header in the 48th minute.
Iheanacho had some beautiful chances but unable to convert. However, scoring on his debut AFCON earned him the Man Of The Match award.
Liverpool forward, Mohammed Salah had his chance but Maduka Okoye was readily at alert to stop his low shot from scrabbling pass him.
Substitute Chidera Ejuka who replaced Chukwueze, was in position on two occasions but fire straight to the goalkeeper.
The Eagles dominated the Pharaohs and seven-time AFCON winners, with Salah playing for the duration of the game.
With today’s victory, Nigeria broke Egypt’s unbeaten record. Pharaohs were unbeaten in their last 16 group matches at the Africa Cup of Nations. Egypt’s last defeat in the group phase dates back to the 2004 tournament when they lost 2-1 against Algeria.
MOLATsportgist 