Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho fired Nigeria to victory over Egypt to condemn the Carlos Quiroz side to a disappointing start in the Africa Cup of Nations.
The former Man city forward received the ball from Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo on the edge of the area and volleyed into the top corner with aplomb to put the Super Eagles ahead on the half-hour mark.
Nigeria had chances on the counter-attack as 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 building on their record-seven AFCON titles ahead of Saturday’s clash with Guinea Bissau.
Nigeria, in contrast, will carry plenty of confidence into their next Group D encounter, against Sudan on Saturday.
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