Former Arsenal midfielder Kelechi Nwakali was very pleased with Nigeria's opening game at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

In one of their best games in recent years, Nigeria took a huge step towards the knockout stages by seeing off their most difficult rival in Group D, Egypt thanks to Kelechi Iheanacho's sweetly-struck left-footed strike in the 30th minute.

Originally left out of the provisional roster, Nwakali was added to Nigeria's finalized squad for the tournament in Cameroon after the appointment of Augustine Eguavoen as interim boss of the national team.

"We won the first game which is a very good start for the team, it builds the confidence, we won against Egypt that everybody is saying that it's going to be a tough game," Nwakali told EazyMediaTV at the end of training on Wednesday afternoon.

"We saw how it went yesterday, we were able to get the three points which is more important to the team and then we move to the next stage."

Nwakali was one of two players Eguavoen handed debuts to, and the SD Huesca man impressed after coming off the bench to replace Kelechi Iheanacho in the 80th minute.

The Super Eagles number 25 is looking forward to having another taste of action on Saturday when they face Sudan.

"We approach the games the way they come. Against Sudan we'll still respect the opponent and play our normal game. Hopefully we get the victory also.

"To have my debut for the Super Eagles is a starting point and I believe every Nigerian player wants this moment".

Prior to his debut against the Pharaohs, Nwaklai played three unofficial matches for the Super Eagles against Atlético de Madrid, Liberia and Coton Sport.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel