Super Eagles of Nigeria on Tuesday defeated Pharaohs of Egypt by alone goal isn the opening march of Group (D) in the ongoing African Cup of Nations Football tournament in Cameroon.
Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal in the 30th minutes placed Nigeria ahead of seven-time champions Egypt .
Super Eagle dominated the march throughout, as the Pharaoh of Egypt keeper Mohamed El Shenawy tipped a Taiwo Awoniyi header on to the bar and twice denying Chidera Ejuke.
Nigeria, three-time African champions push for a second goal after half-time were denied by El Shenawy who twice kept out substitute Chidera Ejuke in the closing stages.
Iheanacho’s performance up front during the proceedings was a welcome relief to Super Eagles supporters, with fellow Nigeria strikers Victor Osimhen, Emmanuel Dennis and Odion Ighalo all forced out of the squad for Cameroon.
Egypt were lacklustre for much of the proceedings, managing just one shot in the opening 70 minutes.
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah who Nigerians feared would put in goal, found himself during proceedings isolated up front as Nigeria dictated the match’s tempo.
Nigeria will takes on Sudan in Group D on Saturday (16:00 GMT) , while Egypt takes on Guinea-Bissau (19:00 GMT).