The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated the Pharaoh of Egypt 1-0 on Tuesday in a dominating fashion at the ongoing AFCON tournament in Cameroon.
The Eagles displayed superb energy in dominating the match, especially in the first half.
Augustine Eguavoen’s squad was without forwards Victor Osimhen, Emmanuel Dennis and Odion Ighalo for a variety of reasons, but his team went on the offensive from the kick-off and did him proud.
Nigerian striker, Kelechi Iheanacho put the Eagles ahead on 30 minutes with a lethal left foot shot, following a Joe Aribo cross.
The Egyptian goalkeeper was caught napping as he could not even make any move to save the shot.
Moses Simon had earlier wasted a big opportunity to put Nigeria in front after he received a brilliant pass and wasted the chance as his shot from inside the penalty area flew narrowly wide off the left post.
On 48 minutes, Taiwo Awoniyi connected with a cross from out wide in the six-yard box, but only planted his header onto the bar.
Chidera Ejuke received a precise low pass inside the box on 77 minutes, controlled it and sent it straight at Mohamed El Shenawy, who made a comfortable save.
Egyptian Captain, Mo Salah. cut an isolated, frustrated, figure at the Stade Roumde Adjia and when he did get a scoring chance in the 71st minute of the second half, his prod was saved by the boot of goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.
It was an otherwise uneventful evening for the Nigeria shot-stopper, who must have anticipated being called into action more often against the record seven-time African champions.
The Nigerian side had 15 goal attempts as against four for Egypt, while the Eagles also had five shots on goal, with Egypt managing two shots on goal.
“We had three things in mind — winning, retaining possession and cutting off the supply to Salah,” said Nigeria caretaker coach Eguavoen.
“Every game will be treated like a final because each team in Cameroon must be respected regardless of the name of the country.
The Eagles now have three points from their first game, putting them in good position to qualify from Group D.
