Kelechi Iheanacho on Tuesday said hard work was key to the Super Eagles’ victory in their crunchy tie against the Pharaohs of Egypt.

Iheanacho’s superb first-half goal handed Nigeria a well deserved 1-0 victory over Egypt in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group ‘D’ opener in Garoua, Cameroon.

Iheanacho hammered in a half-volley from the edge of the box into the top corner in the 30th minute to settle the contest at the Stade Roumdé Adjia.

During a post-match conference, the Leicester City forward, who was awarded as the man-of-the-match, told journalists that good preparation and confidence gave his team the victory.

“We prepared really well for them, and we were confident and not scared of them. So, we showed that today on the pitch, and we got the points that we needed,” he explained. “Hopefully, we will get more points in the competition, and we’ll move forward from there.”

Super Eagles interim coach Augustine Eguavoen said his game plan was to respect every team but not be scared of any team.

“When we arrived, the reception was very okay, and my general overview is that this has been quite an interesting AFCON tournament from the very first day we touched down in Cameroon,” explained Eguavoen. “I think all teams need to be respected, and our game plan is to respect everybody but not be scared of anyone. Egypt, as we all know, have won the most number of titles (seven times) in the AFCON and are a very strong side with one of the best coaches and players in the world.”

The Super Eagles will next take on Sudan on Saturday before playing their last game against Guinea Bissau on January 19.

(NAN)