The Super Eagles of Nigeria put up an assured performance to beat the Pharaohs of Egypt 1-0 in their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opener at Stade Omnisport Roumdé Adjia in Garoua on Tuesday.
AFCON debutant Kelechi Iheanacho’s scintillating first-half strike was enough for Nigeria to beat the Egyptians in a competitive game for the first time since March 1990. Nantes winger Moses Simon was impressive in the Group D opener, although his final balls could have been better; as the same could be said of substitute Chidera Ejuke who missed a couple of chances after coming on.
Defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Ola Aina, and midfielder Joe Aribo did put in a good shift as Austin Eguavoen’s men began with a win in Cameroon.
Here’s how some of the fans reacted to the Super Eagles win.
Ejuke’s final ball is always a problem
— Colin NOT Collins(@ColinUdoh) January 11, 2022
SOARING SUPER EAGLES! #TeamNigeria coach Augustine Eguavoen to @AfroSportTV: "I gave the players freedom. I told them... be free and enjoy yourself."
— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) January 11, 2022@FisayoDairo pic.twitter.com/SQCKRRbd8m
— Opta Nigeria (@OptaNGR) January 11, 2022
- Nigeria have now won all of the AFCON group stage matches with Austin Eguavoen in charge of the team - P4 W4. Cerezo. #TeamNigeria #AFCON2021 #NGAEGY pic.twitter.com/mqd06tTbLk
Nigeria will face Sudan in their second group game on Saturday at this same venue by 5pm.
