Nigeria’s Super Eagles displayed a surprise attacking dominance against the Pharaohs of Egypt in their opening Group D AFCON encounter in Cameroon on Tuesday evening.
Since the 6th minute attempt by the Egyptians, Nigeria dominated the first half with more threats in the first half, thanks to Moses Simon sterling performance. Simon’s cross led to Joseph Aribo’s assist and Iheanacho’s 30th minute goal.
Nigeria ended the first half with 5 attempts on target better than Egyptians’ single attempt.
In the second half, the threat by super Eagles kept the Egyptians under pressure, creating more scoring chances than the better rated Pharaohs.
Coach Austin Eguavoen’s boys mentality did not change in the second 45 minutes as Egypt’s Mohammed Salah was not given a chance to threaten the Eagles goalkeeper more than twice.
The result showed Eguavoen came to meet the more favoured Egyptians with a superior game plan. The players in green gave everything to keep the Pharaohs playing on the back foot.
Captain Troost Ekong was praised for keeping Mo Salah on offside while the Egyptian goalkeeper was busy till the last minute of the encounter.
Kelechi Iheanacho won the man of the match award for his efforts and the all important goal.
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