Nigeria’s Super Eagles stunned the Pharoahs of Egypt in their opening game of Group D at the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon, beating the pre-tournament favourites 1-0 to claim a historic win in Garoua.
Kelechi Iheanacho’s well taken first half strike earned Nigeria a comfortable win over Egypt, with the Super Eagles playing the best game of the AFCON tournament so far to take all three points and go top of Group D.
Although Egypt tried to come back in the contest, but they hardly ruffled their Nigerian counterparts when they surged for an equalizer in the last ten minutes of the game, with the Super Eagles keeping it tight and not giving away the ball needlessly.
Moses Simon was a livewire for the Super Eagles on the wings, tormenting the Egyptian rightback as he created chances for his team from the left flank. Simon swiveled and made runs, almost finding the net for the opener when Joe Aribo had played him in.
"Egypt is a well respected team; we respect them, but we've players who should be respected too.
Strategy: "We tried to cut Salah off the ball, and we tried to keep the ball.
"We will approach every game like a final" Super Eagles coach Austine Eguavoen after today's win. pic.twitter.com/a4Fz5Lrpj8
— Making of Champions (@MakingOfChamps) January 11, 2022
Simon eventually had a hand in the goal, crossing the ball, but Egypt’s failed clearance saw the rebound fall to Iheanacho who anticipated the ball, and then perfectly placed his shot into the top corner to give Nigeria the lead.
Nigeria had chances to extend their lead, creating more in the second half when Taiwo Awoniyi who got a rare chance in the team, headed in a cross from the impressive Ola Aina on to the cross bar.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah was well isolated in attack, but the rare chance he got after being through on Nigeria’s goal, Maduka Okoye got a foot to his shot to prevent the equalizer.
It was an all round exciting display from Nigeria, who kept the ball on the ground and held possession. CSKA Moscow forward, Chidera Ejuke almost doubled Nigeria’s lead on the break, but was kept out by Mohamed El Shenawy.
With the win, Nigeria is in firm control of the group having played the seemingly most difficult game of the group.
Full Time: 🇳🇬 1-0 🇪🇬
🗣️This scoreline is not made up…Naija balled today!
No Victor Osimhen, Emmanuel Dennis, Odion Ighalo but the Super Eagles have played the best game of #AFCON2021 tournament so far to beat Egypt.
"The Egyptians you see today…." #NaijaNoDeyCarryLast pic.twitter.com/BcFx73Pfgr
— Making of Champions (@MakingOfChamps) January 11, 2022
