The three-time African champions commenced their quest for a fourth African title on an impressive note under the watch of Augustine Eguavoen.Nigeria kicked off the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations on a brilliant note after the Super Eagles beat the Pharaohs of Egypt 1-0 in their opening group game on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at the Stade Roumde Adjia, Garoua.
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A 30th-minute strike from Leicester City of England forward Kelechi Iheanacho was all the three-time African champions needed to secure all three points and move to the top of Group D. The Egyptians went into the encounter as favourites with Liverpool star man Mohammed Salah tipped to see off the Super Eagles defensive line. However, it was the Nigerian side that had control of the game as Vice Captain William Troost-Ekong of Watford FC (England) and UD Leganes of Spain centre back, Kenneth Omeruo, ensured they kept the UEFA Champions League winner in check while Zaidu Sanusi and Ola Aina operated from the flanks.
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A dominant first-half performance saw the Super Eagles miss a couple of chances until half an hour when a Moses Simon cross was headed out by an Egypt defender but met Joe Aribo who nodded an assist for a firepower finish from Iheanacho. Egypt did not look much of a threat as the Super Eagles team remained compact for the entire duration of the game. The second game in Group D is expected to hold by 8 pm (WAT) on Tuesday night as Sudan and Guinea Bissau battle for all three points. Nigeria will confront the Sudanese national team on Saturday, January 15th, for their second group game at the same venue. A win is likely to secure the Super Eagles a spot in the second round of the tournament. Featured Image Source: Brila
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