Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers monitored proceedings from afar as Nigeria began their campaign at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations  with a 1-0 win over one of the pre-tournament favourites Egypt on Tuesday evening.

The Northern Irish football tactician was interested in the game as two of his players Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi were on parade at the Roumdé Adjia Stadium, Garoua.

Iheanacho netted the game-winning goal on the half-hour mark, firing the ball into the top corner with a sweetly-struck left-footed strike.

Rodgers was pleased with the display of the Super Eagles, lauding them for their tactical organization, and was also impressed with the progress Iheanacho has made since the start of the 2020-2021 season.

Asked if he was impressed with Iheanacho's goal against Egypt, Rodgers said at Thursday's press conference : "It was a brilliant strike.

"I thought Nigeria looked really good, looked really structured in the game, good organization and you can see the players of quality they have in the team.

"Kelechi has proven over this last twelve to eighteen months he can score goals. Great spin and finish, I'm delighted for him."

Iheanacho and Ndidi could miss Leicester City's next three matches, depending on Nigeria's progress in Cameroon.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel