The biggest match of the Africa Cup of Nations so far saw Nigeria emerge victorious over Egypt in Group D.
The second true heavyweight match in Cameroon saw Nigeria take firm control of Group D with a 1-0 victory over Mohamed Salah and Egypt.
After Monday’s game between Morocco and Ghana saw the Atlas Lions come away with a 1-0 victory, football lovers were treated to another matchup of expected title contenders, and the result showed one side is far more prepared to push for the crown than the other.
The two teams sparred in the opening half hour, with Nantes’ winger Moses Simon looking dangerous, but neither team had a major chance until Leicester striker Kelechi Iheanacho beautifully controlled a ball on the edge of the area and fired it across his body into the Egypt net.
This goal, rather than prod Egypt into action, only seemed to spur on Nigeria. The Eagles had several chances either side of the break, with Taiwo Awoniyi brilliantly kept out by Mohamed El Shenawy, and a clumsy touch from Iheanacho causing him to spurn a chance to double his tally.
Egypt had one chance in the second half when Nigeria’s defence seemingly thought Salah had been caught offside, but the Egyptian maestro couldn’t lift the ball over Maduka Okoye. In a battle of the captains, he was frustrated throughout by Watford’s William Troost-Ekong.
Nigerian substitute Chidera Ejuke could have cemented his country’s win in the final minute, but his length-of-the-pitch break was hit straight at El Shenawy.
In the end, Iheanacho’s goal was enough to see the Super Eagles triumph.
The Leicester City man, alongside Moses Simon and Joe Aribo formed what looked like the best attack of the tournament thus far (with new boys Awoniyi and Ejuke also showing promise), which is rather impressive when taking into account the big names like Victor Osimhen and Odion Ighalo the Eagles are missing up front.
Demola Ojo
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