AFCON 2021: Nigeria defeat Egypt 1-0 to start their campaign with a win

The Pharaohs were comfortably defeated by Nigeria.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have started their African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2021 campaign with a win as they dispatched Egypt with a 1-0 win in the opening match of group D.

Kelechi Iheanacho scored the only goal of the game in the 30 minutes as Nigeria dominated the greater part of the game.

Nigeria started with a great intensity and they were rewarded for their hardwork when Aribo brought down an intended clearance for Iheanacho to volley past the Egyptian keeper.

Egypt were limited to little chances as Mohammed Salah was kept quiet by the Nigerian defence, with the goalkeeper having little to do throughout the game.

Starting the second half, Nigeria kept their intensity and created a lot of chances but were unlucky to not score more goals.

However, Nigeria were dealt a blow as Kenneth Omeruo was stretched off in the 79th minute with a suspected thigh injury. Wilfred Ndidi was a concern too but he managed to finish the game.

With that win, Nigeria have inflicted only the third defeat Egypt have suffered in the group stage of the competition since 2004.

The Super Eagles will now face Sudan on Saturday, January 15 in their second group stage match. A win will guarantee their passage into the round of 16.