AFCON 2021: S’Eagles Neutralise Salah, Sink Pharoahs

The Super Eagles of Nigeria last night in Garoua, Cameroon began their quest for a fourth African Cup of Nations title on a good note with an impressive lone goal victory over seven-time champions and one of the favourites for the title, Egypt, at the nascent 33rd edition of the African Cup of Nations.
The Nigerian team under the guidance of interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen, who was appointed less than two months ago, did not only answer doubters, who gave them little chance over the Mohamed Salah led Egypt, they made a strong statement of intent as far as the current championship in Cameroon is concerned.
From the blast of the referee’s whistle, the Eagles asserted themselves and kept the Pharoahs on the back foot in the opening match of Group D. All fears of potential massacre and annihilation from the boot of Salah and company vanished barely 10 minutes into the game as Nigeria controlled Egypt with spirited and purposeful performance.
Salah and his mates were effectively caged and neutralised by the Eagles’ defence marshaled by Kenneth Omeruo, Troost Ekong, Zaidu Sanusi and Ola Aina. Wilfred Ndidi and David Aribo were magnificent in the midfield, while Kelechi Iheanacho and Taiwo Awoniyi were impressive in attack. Just as Moses troubled Pharaoh on behalf of Israel in the Bible, Moses Simon was a thorn in the flesh of the Egyptians from the right flank with powerful penetrating runs time after time.
Iheanacho put Nigeria ahead after half an hour, controlling and finding the top corner of Egypt’s goal off a header and cross by Aribo and Simon, respectively. The Eagles were unfortunate not to get more goals their efforts deserved, especially, Iheanacho, Awoniyi and Chidera Ejuke, who all missed some good chances.
Egypt were lacklustre for much of the proceedings, managing just one shot in the opening 70 minutes.
Liverpool star, Mohamed Salah, who has reaffirmed his desire to stay at Anfield, repeatedly found himself isolated up front as Nigeria dictated the match’s tempo.
The forward was played through by substitute Ahmed Sayed with 20 minutes remaining but his mishit shot was saved by the legs of Nigeria keeper, Maduka Okoye.
As Egypt searched for an equalizer with an improved performance in the second half, the Eagles battled hard to restrict them to long range efforts and half chances. In the end, Salah was restricted to only one clear chance that was saved by the keeper.
Indeed, Eguavoen and his wards with their performance against Egypt have shown that they mean business in Cameroon and must build on it to try to go all the way in the competition.
Nigeria still has Sudan and Guinea Bissau as opponents to surmount en route dominating Group D.

By: Gabriel Nwanetanya