Revitalized Nigeria makes a Statement in its Opening Game at the AFCON

Garoua -- In an explosive display, Nigeria sent a warning to opponents who had claimed the "Eagles are dead" by claiming all three points in beating Mohammed Salah's Egypt 1-0. Nigeria, listless in a string of recent games under former Manager Gernot Rohr, looked a different side in its first official game under interim Manager Augustine Eguavoen. Egypt bore the brunt of it all. 

                With 15,000 spectators cheering on, Nigeria was on the front foot for most of the game and could have won by a wider margin as it pinned down the Egyptians whose coach Queiroz had been quoted as having high hopes of Egypt returning as African champion. But Egypt's hopes did not materialize against Nigeria. Instead, it was the West Africans that were on the front foot for the most part. Moses Simon, explosive down the flank, was a nightmare for Egypt as he tormented Egypt repeatedly. It was telling that in one of his forays down the left, he left a defender for dead, for the umpteenth time, and his cross found Aribo whose headed pass was volleyed into the net by Kelechi Iheanacho with the clock at 32 minutes. It was the only goal of the game.

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But Egypt's hopes did not materialize against Nigeria. Instead, it was the West Africans that were on the front foot for the most part. Moses Simon, explosive down the flank, was a nightmare for Egypt as he tormented Egypt repeatedly.

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The reality is that it should have been more. With Simon repeatedly finding space down the flank, Egypt was having a night mare, It was only providence that prevented a second. Awoniyi's header was bundled onto the bar by goalkeeper El-Shanawy and quickly cleared off the line. Then Aina streaked 60 yards from his end of the field in a memorable ruin but his final cross was muddled by Iheanacho's poor first touch to prevent a Nigerian second. 

But Egypt, completely under the Cush, recovered gradually as Nigeria appeared to tire. It was only then that the clustered Salah made an appearance. Egypt had played Salah centrally attempting to take advantage of his speed over the slow-paced Nigerian central defense but with Nigeria's pressure on the ball, Salah had seen very few opportunities. His first and only clear chance appeared after 70 minutes but Maduka Okoye staved it off after Salah slid behind the defense and only Okoye's guile saved Nigeria's blushes.

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But Egypt, completely under the Cush, recovered gradually as Nigeria appeared to tire. It was only then that the clustered Salah made an appearance. Egypt had played Salah centrally attempting to take advantage of his speed over the slow-paced Nigerian central defense but with Nigeria's pressure on the ball, Salah had seen very few opportunities. 

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Overall, Nigeria sent a warning to many who had predicted its death at this competition.

RATINGS

Maduka Okoye (1) -- 6.5 -- He had little to do but certainly came up big in the second half when he came face-to-face with Mohammed Salah deep in the box.

Ola Aina (2) -- 7.0 -- he was clearly one of Nigeria's heroes. He was strong defensively and consistently helped going forward. He made one spectacular run late that was fluffed by Iheanacho.

Kenneth Omeruo (22) -- 6.5 -- Omeruo had long been left to an afterthought in Nigeria's defense but today he played bravely. Egypt had planned to take advantage of his lack of pace by playing Mohammed Salah centrally but Omeruo and Ekong remained stiff.

William Ekong (cpt-5) - 6.7 -- Ekong was also magnificent helping out to shut out Salah. He also provided long balls to start off attacks from the back when needed.

Zaidu Sanusi (12) -- 6.4 -- Sanusi was spectacular in the opening half but receded in the second half and Egypt repeatedly tried to take advantage down his end.

Wilfred Ndidi (4) -- 6.8 -- Ndidi is slowly back to his usual form. He commanded the midfield breaking any Egyptian attack and commanded the midfield. He even had a first half attempt at goal as Nigeria marauded.

Joseph Aribo (10) -- 6.5 -- He had the assist that counted today and contributed his quota to Nigeria's midfield control.

Kelechi Iheanacho (14) --6.5 -- Kelechi scored the only goal but could have easily had a brace. Beyond that he constantly forced the attack, particularly in the opening half.

Samuel Chukwueze (11) -- 6.0 -- Chukwueze was anonymous most of the game before he was rescued with a substitution.

Taiwo Awoniyi (19) -- 6.3 -- Taiwo had two opportunities today. One in the opening half saw a curved attempt saved by the goalkeeper and the second was clattered against the bar by the keeper. 

Moses Simon (15) -- 8.5 -- Clearly, the man of the match. He repeatedly tormented Egypt's back line by easily going past his marker. In one of such moves he created the cross that eventually led to Nigeria's winner. Although, he faded as Egypt forced him away from the line but he had already established his place.

Chidera Ejuke (13) -- 6.5 -- His 20 minutes play was far more impactful than Chukwueze's longer time on the field. He repeatedly caused problems for Egypt and had two close attempts. Perhaps, he may earn the start, next time out, over Chukwueze.

Umar Sadiq (24) -- 6.2 -- He was about chasing the ball in the back but did little else as Nigeria's service had receded at the time of his entrance.

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