Iheanacho's Strike Seals Victory Over Egypt For Nigeria
- Kelechi Iheanacho scores for Nigeria in a 1-0 victory over Egypt
- Wilfred Ndidi also started for the Super Eagles in the AFCON Group D encounter
- The Leicester City duo followed Daniel Amartey (Ghana) in appearing at the tournament
- Papy Mendy has also been called up for Senegal, who next face Guinea on Friday
Iheanacho was named in the Super Eagles' starting XI alongside Foxes team-mate Wilfred Ndidi for the much-anticipated Group D clash at Roumdé Adjia Stadium. It was the second consecutive day involving AFCON action for Leicester City players after Daniel Amartey represented Ghana on Monday.
On the half-hour mark, Iheanacho took down an awkward ball on the edge of the area, cushioning with his thigh, before rocketing the ball into the top corner with a sweetly-struck left-footed strike. It was a moment which sparked joyous celebrations both in the stadium and at home in Nigeria.
Although coming up against Egypt, one of the competition's favourites, Nigeria were on the front foot for large spells, with Iheanacho often going close to doubling his tally. Ndidi, on the other hand, was a typically industrious force in central midfield for the three-time AFCON champions.
Managed by Augustine Eguavoen, the Super Eagles were able to keep the Pharaohs at bay in the latter stages, sealing a valuable three points which sends them top of their pool. Guinea-Bissau take on Sudan in the other matchday one clash in Group D later on Tuesday evening.
While Iheanacho and Ndidi must now wait until Saturday for their next possible AFCON outing, against Sudan, two other Foxes could star a day earlier. Amartey's Ghana tackle Gabon after Papy Mendy and Senegal are scheduled to face Guinea earlier on Friday.