Nigeria vs Burundi: Ighalo scores to give Super Eagles 1-0 win over East Africans ▷ Kenya News

Nigeria's Super Eagles got their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations campaign off to a winning start following their 1-0 win over Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium on Saturday, June 22.

Odion Ighalo came in for Onuachu in the 73rd minute and four minutes later, broke the deadlock to power the three time African champions ahead in the game.

Coach Gernot Rohr's men struggled all through the encounter before the intervention of the China based striker in the later part.

Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu had the first chance when he sent a header towards goal, but Burundi goalie Jonathan Nahimana was there to comfortably save it.

Nigerian star Oghenekaro Etebo directed the ball behind the defense, but his effort was intercepted by Omar Moussa in the 17th minute.

Villarreal attacker Samuel Chukwueze launched a close range shot after connecting with Shehu Abdullahi's pass from the right flank but his shot was deflected by Cedric Amissi.

Chukwueze tried dribbling his way into Burundi's defence line before firing the shot which was blocked by the defenders.

Rohr later decided to substitute Mikel Obi for Ahmed Musa in which Alex Iwobi then had chance to operate in the midfield.

Nigeria scored their goal in the 77th minute through Ighalo who was assisted by defender Ola Aina as Super Eagles won 1-0.

Nigeria will battle Guinea in what looks like the toughest opposition for the Super Eagles on Wednesday, June 26.

Source: Tuko