Three time champions Nigeria opened their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Cameroon 2021 campaign with a spirited 1-0 victory over record champions Egypt on Tuesday.
The Super Eagles produced one of their best performances in recent months to see off the Pharaohs in Group D.
Kelechi Iheanacho scored the all important goal from a sweet turn and volley 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.
The other Group D clash saw Sudan and Guinea-Bissau play out a goalless draw.
Guinea-Bissau spurned several chances to take the lead including missing a second half penalty.
Nigeria top the standings in the Group with 3 points followed by Guinea-Bissau and Sudan who have a point each.
For their losing start to the campaign, Egypt occupies the bottom spot in the Group.