The Super Eagles of Nigeria needed a late goal from substitute Odion Ighalo to claim a 1-0 victory over a stubborn and hard fighting Burundi side playing their first-ever match at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Saturday.
Ighalo was set free by Ola Aina’s clever flicked pass and side-footed the ball past Burundi goalkeeper Jonathan Nahimana in the 77th minute, four minutes after coming on in the opening Group B match of the ongoing AFCON 2019 in Egypt.
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It was tough on Burundi who refused to be overawed and enjoyed slightly the better of the first half with Frederic Nsabiyumva heading against the crossbar from a set-piece.
Nigeria took control after halftime but were struggling to create chances until Aina’s moment of inspiration finally unlocked the Burundi defence.
Reuters
