Nigeria fought bravely to overcome a resilient Burundi team yesterday at the opening of group B game.
Nigeria’s forward Odion Ighalo (C) celebrates his goal during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) football match between Nigeria and Burundi at Alexandria Stadium on June 22, 2019. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP)
Odion Ighalo's 77th minute goal was all Nigeria needed to overcome the stubborn swallows of Burundi on Saturday in the opening Africa Cup of Nations Group B match.
The Shanghai Shenhua forward came off the bench in Egyptian Mediterranean city Alexandria when he gave Nigeria a 1-0 victory over their opponent.
Although debutants Burundi battled bravely throughout before a small crowd that included four-time African Footballer of the Year Samuel Eto’o from Cameroon, one of the tournament ambassadors, Nigeria was too strong for them.
Nigeria’s forward Samuel Chukwueze was outstanding in the match alongside Ola Aina who also had a good game.
Burundi’s midfielder Gael Bigirimana (R) marks Nigeria’s forward Samuel Chukwueze during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) football match between Nigeria and Burundi at Alexandria Stadium on June 22, 2019. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP)
Guinea face Madagascar, another of the three teams debuting at this Cup of Nations, in the second Group B fixture at the same venue later Saturday.
Watch the goal below: