Nigeria beat Egypt in their #AFCON2021 first match [updated]

Nigeria’s Super Eagles defeated Egypt 1 – 0 in their first match at the Africa Cup of Nations played in Garoua, Cameroon.

Kelechi Iheanacho found the net for Nigeria at the 30th minute when he volleyed a cross from Moses Simon past the Egyptian goalkeeper making it the lone goal in the match for the Nigerian side.

There was an offensive, creative and dynamic Nigeria in the organization of their game, in the face of a listless Egypt and stripped of solutions to counter the offensive saga of their opponent.

It was clear that Nigeria’s left flank was the most productive and that was where the goal came from, which was eventually scored by Kelechi Iheanacho in the 30th minute.

The nightmare for Egypt began with an unfortunate first half for Al Ahly left back Akram Elhagrasi as he tried to disarm fast- and endive left-handed sniper Moses Simon (FC Nantes), and had to be replaced (Mohamed, 11 ́) after contracting an injury to his lower limbs.

Taiwo Awoniyi struck again in the 37th minute but the Egyptian goalkeeper stopped the effort.

At half time, it was Nigeria 1, Egypt 0.

The Super Eagles had already issued the navigation notice with the intentions demonstrated by gunner Moses.

In fact, when Moses was played 26 minutes again to be in the spotlight in an engaging counter-attacking move, in which he just did not score because the ball was bumping into the side netting of the Egyptian goalkeeper.

The Super Eagles remained undoubtedly the best side in the first 45 minute encounter and a great play by the Nigerian team.

Simon was effective on the wings for Nigeria, tormenting the Egyptian defenders.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian talisman, Mohammed Sallah was unseen in the first half of the match, totally silenced by Nigerian defenders.

He, however, came to life in the second half, making a frantic move which was stopped by Nigerian goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye.

Kenneth Omeruo departed the game when he was stretchered out after an injury, being spectacular in defence.

Semi Ajayi replaces him and Nwakali came on for Iheanacho with less than 10 minutes of normal time left in the game

No Victor Osimhen, Emmanuel Dennis, Odion Ighalo but the Super Eagles played the best game of AFCON tournament so far with the Egyptian defeat.

The team led by Nigeria coach Augustine Eguavoen, in addition to having the game in their control, completely dominated the match, starring in a real football spectacle that drove the crowd into delirium.

It was of notorious concern on the part of Portuguese coach, Carlos Queiroz, to see his team in the back and without solutions.

As the game moved to the end of the first half Kelechi Iheanacho (41 ́) again benefited from a superb opportunity to dilate the marker, but failed the target.

Moses took advantage of the final moments of the first half to make a long pass into the great area, but with no one to follow up on the finish.

More were expected from Mohamed Salah, who, in addition to being on the side of the game, was heavily guarded by Nigeria’s defensive line.

And it was with the advantage on the scoreboard that Nigeria went at half-time.

At the entrance to the second half the Super Eagles pulled back from the gallons.

Much more consistent in the defensive and offensive process, only lacked even a greater objectivity when scoring.

There were several scoring opportunities that remained to be taken advantage of by the Nigerian side.

Mo Salah’s non-conformism was notorious on both occasions (66 ́and 77 ́) that he tried to penetrate the opposite area.

Egypt even awakened from deep sleep at a time when the curtains of the stage closed.

Full Time: Nigeria 1-0 Egypt.

Nigeria will meet Sudan in their second encounter on Saturday, January 15, 2022.

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