The Super Eagles of Nigeria opened their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Cameroon 2021 campaign with a 1-0 victory over  on the Pharaohs of Egypt on Tuesday.

The Nigerians produced one of the best performances at the tournament so far to see off the Pharaohs in Group D. Kelechi Iheanacho scored the all important goal on the half hour mark to give interim boss Augustine Eguavoen a winning start.

The Super Eagles dominated possession limiting Egypt to just one shot in the opening hour while forcing goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy into several saves.

The Al Ahly keeper denied Chidera Ejuke twice before pushing Taiwo Awoniyi’s header against the frame of his goal as the 2013 champions push for the goal.

Kelechi Iheanacho broke the deadlock with a fierce half volley beyond El Shenawy on 30 minutes to give the Nigerians a deserved victory over the flat Pharos who struggled to create any meaningful opportunity.

Egypt captain Mohamed Salah was played through by Ahmed Sayed but the former African Player of the Year miscued his effort with Nigeria goalkeeper Okoye making the save.

Nigeria’s victory sends them to the top of the group ahead of Guinea Bissau taking on Sudan in the second match of the Group D.