Super Eagles of Nigeria beat a disappointing Egypt 1-0 to extend their chances of coming out the top of the table for the quarter-final draw and also demonstrate that they are a potential team to win the Africa Cup of Nations. Considered favorites going into the tournament, the midfield combination of Wilfred Ndidi and Joe Aribo dominated Egypt, starving Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah of any real opportunity to influence the game with his quick play.
The two teams sparred in the opening half-hour, with Nantes’ winger Moses Simon looking dangerous as he dazzled with his skills, but neither team had a major change until Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho beautifully controlled a ball on the edge of the area and fired it across his body into the Egyptian net.
This goal, rather than spur Egypt into action, only seemed to further favor Nigeria. They had several chances either side of the break, with Taiwo Awoniyi brilliantly kept out by Mohamed El Shenawy, and a clumsy touch from Iheanacho causing him to spurn a chance to double his tally.
Egypt had one chance in the second half when Nigeria’s defense seemingly thought Salah had been caught offside, but the Egyptian maestro couldn’t lift the ball over Maduka Okoye. In a battle of the captains, he was frustrated throughout Watford’s William Troost-Ekong.
Nigerian substitute Chidera Ejuke could have cemented his country’s win in the final minute, but his length-of-the-pitch break was hit straight at El Shenawy.
