Group B favourites Nigeria were frustrated by a well-organised Burundi outfit but a late Odion Ighalo strike sealed all three points.

2019 Africa Cup of Nations

1-0

Match Report

Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations campaign got off to a winning start on Saturday as they edged out Burundi 1-0.

Gernot Rohr's side, who are 89 places above Burundi in FIFA's world rankings, struggled for long periods in their Group B opener at the Alexandria Stadium but sealed all three points in the 77th minute.

Odion Ighalo, introduced for Paul Onuachu just four minutes earlier, latched onto Ola Aina's wonderful back-heeled pass and coolly whipped the ball past Jonathan Nahimana.

Nigeria will hope to put in a vastly improved performance against Guinea on Wednesday, while Burundi face Madagascar a day later.

Match Events

14' CHANCE! Onuachu's header saved

36' Missed! Mikel misses an open goal!

48' Amissi's long shot stopped by Akpeyi

70' CLOSE! Chukewueze's shot over the bar

77' GOAL! Nigeria 1-0 Burundi (Ighalo)

Great play from Ola Aina to set up the goal.