The Super Eagles of Nigeria overcame Egypt’s Pharaohs by a goal to nil in their African Cup of Nations Group D opening on Tuesday.
After a superb cross from Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho scored the game’s only goal in the 30th minute.
The Eagles, who are one of the favorites in the competition, had numerous further chances to expand their advantage in both halves, but Egyptian goalkeeper Muhammed El Sharawi denied Ejike twice.
The Pharaohs, who have won seven titles, only had one notable attempt on goal, which came from Liverpool’s Mohammed Salah.
Egypt, who came into the tournament as favourites too, are unbeaten in their last six group games matches.
The victory means Augustine Eguavon starts his interim reign with a win.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.