National Wire About Nigerians, Nigerian Business and Other Stories
Nigeria’s Super Eagles this evening at the ongoing African Cup of Nations were one goal better than their Egyptian counterparts, the Pharaohs of Egypt in the opening match of Group D in Garoua.
Kelechi Iheanacho made the difference on the 30th minute when he found the back of the Egyptian net after several attempts by the Super Eagles.
Despite Egyptians’ better ball possession statistics, the Super Eagles proved their superiority over the North Africans who had 57 percent ball possession.
Meanwhile, the Eagles were more adventurous up front and that yielded 15 shots out of which five were on target.
The Egyptians may have come to the pitch with great respect for the Eagles firing only four shots out of which only two were on target throughout the 90 minutes.
Nine corner kicks were recorded with Nigeria having six of them. The West Africans were both ambitious and aggressive during the encounter that generated 21 fouls, 15 of which were committed by the Nigerians, thankfully, no card was issued by the East African referee.
Egypt is the most successful team on the continent being the side that had won more gold at the African Cup of Nations, they do not often lose in group matches but tonight saw a different and less adventurous side.
Nantes’ winger, Moses Simon was a pain on the Egyptians’ defence which became weak enough for Leicester City’s striker, Kelechi Iheanacho to be able to penetrate putting Nigeria ahead on the 30th minute.
Bookmakers had predicted something smarter for the Egyptians whose talisman, Mohammed Salah didn’t seem to be on the pitch for a good part of the match.
Nigeria now awaits the result of the match between Sudan and Guinea Bissau to determine the Group D leader in Garoua.
