Nigeria’s Super Eagles beat Egypt in AFCON opener

MINA Blog- Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Tuesday opened their Africa Cup of Nations campaign on a winning note beating the most successful side in the competition, Egypt 1-0.

In what has been described as the best match so far in the tournament, the Super Eagles dominated their opponent from North Africa for the entire duration of the encounter.

The lone goal of the match came when Nigrian winger, Moses Simon burst forward in the 30th minute, sending a perfect cross into the Egyptian penalty box that was headed by Egyptian Hegazi but only as far as Joe Aribo.

The Rangers man headed it into Kelechi Iheanacho’s path with the Leicester City man taking a smart shot that beat Mohamed El-Shenawy in Egypt’s goal to break the deadlock for the Nigerians.

Iheanacho and Taiwo Awoniyi showed promise of a budding relationship, combining well in the latter stages of the half with Iheanacho setting up the Union Berlin striker for a shot in the 42nd minute.
Nigeria won the midfield battle with Wilfred Ndidi quick to break up play and send the ball forward to the Super Eagles’ willing runners.

Egyptian star Salah had a frustrating day on the pitch, with his first shot on goal in the 66th minute, but it meant nothing as full back, Aina put in a heroic block before the centre referee pulled play back for offside.

The Eagles had several missed chances to increase the score, the team however saw off a late half-hearted push for an equaliser by the Pharaohs of Egypt to hold on to a well-deserved victory.

Sudan is up next for the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Saturday January 15 as they will seek to secure safe passage to the Round-of-16.

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