Kelechi Iheanacho became the match hero on Tuesday evening as Nigeria defeated seven-time champions, Egypt 1-0 in a group D opening fixture of the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations at the Roumde Adjia Stadium, Garoua.
The Leicester City forward out of sheer brilliance after controlling a loose on the edge of the box released a thunderous shot which kept goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy helpless in the 30th minute of the game.
Nantes Moses Simon had initiated the move as he delivered a cross into the Egyptians’ box, the ball eluded Taiwo Awoniyi in the process but Joe Aribo was able to nod it down onto Iheanacho who controlled with his thigh brilliantly and released fly a shot to the top right corner of the net.
It was the first time out of three meetings that Nigeria had defeated Egypt in the AFCON opener, as the latter had won the first two opening encounters 6-3 in 1963 and 3-1 in the 2010 edition.
ALSO READ:Â Iheanacho is purely a striker -Rodgers
The Super Eagles missed a chance to double their lead in the 42nd minute as Iheanacho fired his effort straight at El Shenawy.
Egyptian talisman, Mohamed Salah practically became a shadow of himself on the pitch as he was well-marked by the glory seeking Eagles.
Nigeria goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, was practically on holiday while the first half lasted but he was called to duty for the better part of the second half as the Pharaohs fought spiritedly to get at least a draw.
Okoye in the 71st minute on a one-on-one situation was good enough to stop Salah from scoring as he reacted appropriately.
Awoniyi almost grabbed a goal with his header off Ola Aina’s cross in the 47th minute but he was denied by the bar while El Shenawy quickly palmed the ball, while in his hands.
ALSO READ:Â Iheanacho is purely a striker -Rodgers
Interim Nigeria coach, Austin Eguavoen brought in Almeria’s Sadiq Umar for Awoniyi in the 72nd minute and Chidera Ejuke for Samuel Chukwueze.
He introduced Semi Ajayi and Kelechi Nwakali in the 80th minute in place of Kenneth Omeruo and Iheanacho respectively.
It was Nwakali’s debut appearance for Nigeria, the same for Sadiq.
Everton star, Alex Iwobi also came on for Moses in the 90th minute as Nigeria completes five-mandatory changes.
CSKA Moscow winger Ejuke during added time wasted what would have been a second goal as he failed to pass the ball to Iwobi who was better placed but in the process only won a corner kick.
Nigeria, three-time African champions will face Sudan on Saturday in their second group game.