Nigeria’s Super Eagles got their AFCON 2019 campaign off to a winning start after Odion Ighalo came off the bench to score the only goal of an engaging duel at the Alexandria Stadium.
In the event, the Super Eagles picked the vital three points and by so doing topping Group B ahead of the second group match between Guinea and Madagascar.
Nigeria dominated possession in the early stages but the Burundians were the ones with the very clear chances as they were more dangerous on the counter-attack.
Nigeria's chance fell to towering striker Paul Onuachu as he put two headers past the Burundian goalpost in the 7th and 13th minute, but a minute later, Cedric Amissi came close to getting the Burundians in front when he latched onto a well–placed pass and stung Akpeyi’s palms with a fierce, close range shot.
Onuachu’s weak strike in the 27th minute was well held by the Burundian goalie, and a minute later, Samuel Chukwueze sliced a decent chance in the box horribly wide.
Nigeria was forced to make a first half substitution as Collins replaced right back Shehu Abdullah.
Gael Bigirimana, Abdoul Fiston, Amissi and Said Berahino were a thorn in the flesh of the Nigerian defense but failed to put the ball past Akpeyi.
In the second half, Ahmed Musa came on for captain Mikel Obi as the Super Eagles look to use his pace and race in a bid to get the much needed goal. But nothing was delivered until Ighalo converted a clever back heel pass by Ola Aina in the 77th Minute to put the Itamba to the sword.
Gernot Rohr's side, who are 89 places above Burundi in FIFA's world rankings, struggled for long periods before getting the lone goal in the encounter and securing the all important three points in their Group B opener at the Alexandria Stadium.
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go super Eagle!!!
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