Izuchukwu Okosi
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Nigeria began a hunt for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title on a winning note with a 1-0 win over seven time champions Egypt in Garaou on Tuesday evening thanks to a Kelechi Iheanacho goal.
Egypt has never lost an opening group game in six consecutive tournaments dating back to 20 years but the Pharoahs had no answers to the industry of the Super Eagles.
Leicester City forward Iheanacho controlled the ball brilliantly from a Moses Simon cross and unleashed an unstoppable left footed shot to the top right corner with half an hour played.
Nigerian keeper Maduka Okoye stuck out his feet to block Mohamed Salah from equalizing in the 70th minute.
Nigerian keeper Maduka Okoye stopped Mohamed Salah from restoring parity in the 71st minute when he stuck out his feet to deny the Liverpool star.
Substitute Chidera Ejuke attempt to increase the arrears as the game petered away but was repelled by Mohamed Elshannaway who parried away the CSKA Moscow for ward’s rasping shot.
Goalscorer Iheanacho was awarded the Man of the Match prize.
The Nigerian side will now face Sudan in their second Group D game on Saturday.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
