Nigeria began their 19th Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 1-0 victory over the Pharaohs of Egypt in Garoua on Tuesday.
Kelechi Iheanacho grabbed the only goal after benefitting from a Moses Simon cross from the left flank in the Group D Opener.
The Leicester City forward put the ball past EL Sharawy in the 33rd minute as the Super Eagles soared to their first win in the 33rd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
Nigeria had a flurry of chances but strikers Taiwo Awoniyi and Iheanacho failed to bury a handful.
Egypt’s Mohammed Salah was rarely a threat until the later stages of the second half but the bacline of Kenneth Omeruo, Zaidu Suusi, Troost Ekong kept the Liverpool star at bay.
Nigeria’s next game is against Sudan on Saturday at the Roumde Adjia stadium in Garoua.
