Nigeria on Saturday edged past tournament debutants, Burundi, at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), thanks to second-half substitute, Odion Ighalo.
The ex-Watford striker scored the only goal after 77 minutes in Alexandria with a curled finish past Burundi goalkeeper, Jonathan Nahimana, from a sublime Ola Aina pass.
Burundi – the lowest-ranked side at the tournament – had struck the crossbar in the first half through defender Frederic Nsabiyumva’s looping header.
FC Midtjylland striker, Paul Onuachu, had Nigeria’s first real chance on goal after 12 minutes as his header forced Nahimana in to action.
Burundi, 134th in the world standings, remained unfazed and Cedric Amissi’s close-range shot required a good save from Nigeria’s Daniel Akpeyi.
Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi and Villarreal 20-year-old Samuel Chukwueze offered the Super Eagles’ main attacking threat, but Gernot Rohr’s side were frustrated by a resolute and organised Burundi side – captained by Stoke City striker Saido Berahino – until Ighalo’s introduction.
The Shanghai Greenland Shenhua striker, formerly of Watford, produced a quality finish just four minutes after entering the field, following Ola Aina’s delightful back-heeled pass.
That goal earned Ighalo and Aina praise from fans across Nigeria.
