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.
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2022 and Moses is still giving Egypt problems
— Nife (@Nifemey_) January 11, 2022
Big 3 points. Huge confident boost. Just as important, with so many "cooks" in Egypt, it establishes trust & belief in Eguavoen's leadership. Simon Moses was excellent. Ejuke's cameo eye catching as well. Injury to Omeruo is sad but it's also a chance for Semi. ##CocaColaNG pic.twitter.com/ZldKF71tes
— Babanla (@biolakazeem) January 11, 2022
Ejuke’s final ball is always a problem
— Colin NOT Collins 🇳🇬🇺🇸 (@ColinUdoh) January 11, 2022
Simon Moses attempted 8 crosses from open play, none was successful.
Stunted.
— Tùká (@TukaLetura) January 11, 2022
Moses Simon having fun in the evening sun in Garoua. He loves playing in Cameroon doesn't he? His best game in green and white since that return fixture against Cameroon in 2017.
— Fisayo Dairo (@FisayoDairo) January 11, 2022
Not much wrong with that performance tactically from @NGSuperEagles. Just need Chukwueze to plug into the matrix and vary the supply routes to Awoniyi. Iheanacho scoring on his AFCON debut is a nice touch. #AFCON2021
— Solace Chukwu (@TheOddSolace) 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."
📸 @FisayoDairo pic.twitter.com/SQCKRRbd8m
— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) January 11, 2022
Ndidi and Joe Aribo today pic.twitter.com/MCWu5GIXWB
— Nse🤍🇦🇷🇧🇷 (@_nseobong) January 11, 2022
Moses Simon is my MOTM. Tormented the Egyptian right side all game, gave Nigeria an outlet to build through, attracted a lot of opponents – and played his way out on most occasions. Final ball could have been better.
Who is yours?#NGAEGY #AFCON2021
— Deji Faremi (@deejayfaremi) January 11, 2022
https://twitter.com/razaqisaaa/status/1480952089119498241?t=w3tMzOTdnvD4YQbh6kX5Ew&s=19
4️⃣ – 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
— Opta Nigeria (@OptaNGR) January 11, 2022
Nigeria will face Sudan in their second group game on Saturday at this same venue by 5pm.
