Nigeria
Nigeria’s Super Eagles were in scintillating form as they defeated Egypt 1-0 in the opening game of Group D at the ongoing African Cup of Nations.
The Nigerians began the game on the front foot and took the game to Egypt, who had become a sort of boogey team for the Super Eagles in recent years.
Left winger, Moses Simon was a thorn in the Egyptian’s defence flesh, skipping past his marker at whim and causing problems with his directness and pace. One of such moments paid dividends half an hour into the game, as Simon ran at the Egyptian defence after being picked out by a Kenneth Omeruo pass. The run led to a cross which was attempted by Taiwo Awoniyi leading the frontline for the Super Eagles. An Egyptian defender was quick to react to the cross but the headed clearance was met by Rangers midfielder, Joe Aribo. Aribo laid on a pass to Leicester’s Kelechi Iheanacho who took a touch before firing a well-placed shot which beat the Pharaohs’ goalkeeper. It was Iheanacho’s debut at the AFCON.
Nigeria never looked back as they pressed and pushed the Egyptians. The game saw the Super Eagles create many chances but would come to blame profligacy for the narrow scoreline. With a total of 15 attempts, Nigeria was able to dominate and defeat an Egyptian team led by Liverpool’s Mohammed Salah.
Nigeria currently sit top of Group D with three points and are followed by Sudan and Guinea Bissau who played a goalless stalemate in the second game of the group.