A goal from Kelechi Iheanacho was all Nigeria needed to begin their chase for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title on a winning note in Group D to end Egypt’s record of not having lost in their group game in the tournament in the past 20 years.

Iheanacho put the Eagles ahead on the half-hour mark with a superb finish after a great move by Moses Simon.


Overall the Eagles had five attempts at goal with just one going the Pharaoh's way in the first half.

Nigeria's keeper Okoye was instinctive to stick out his feet to save as Mohamed Salah beat an offside trap on 71 minutes.

Augustine Eguavoen rang the changes and introduced the duo of Sadiq Umar and Chidera Ejuke for Taiwo Awoniyi and Samuel Chukwueze in the 72nd minute.

CSKA Moscow winger Ejuke's first contribution was to hit a good shot which was repelled by the experienced Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawi.