Nigeria and Egypt served up arguably the best match so far in the African Cup of Nations in Cameroun, but the Super Eagles' inability to convert the chances they created was the down side. Kelechi Iheanacho scored a solitary strike after 30 minutes to settle the contest, but Nigeria should have added at least a couple more goals in what was the best performance so far and a warning to their rivals. Coach Austin Eguavoen had a simple strategy to shut off Mo Salah, control the midfield and hit them from the flanks. Moses Simon was the Man of the Match, with a blistering performance down the left flank. Nigeria had the pick of the chances and former Liverpool forward Taiwo Awoniyi found the underside of the bar early in the second half. Egypt pressed for the equaliser and goalkeeper Mohammed El Shenawy was called into action to smother substitute Chidera Ejuke's effort before the full-time whistle blew. The result comes as a blow to Egypt's hopes of reaching the knockout stage. Nigeria's victory over Egypt sets the Super Eagles up for a better Round of 16 matchup and a deep run in the tournament, while Egypt will feel added pressure in its other group stage matches. Austin Eguavoen expressed satisfaction with the team's game plan, which included keeping the ball and cutting Salah off the ball. He said the victory is the beginning of Nigeria's good run in the competition, and the Eagles' technical crew will approach every game like it is a final.
Index to Nigerian Newspapers
