Suleiman Agbalaka scored the decisive goal as the Nigerian Flying Eagles beat hosts Egypt 1-0 to record their first win at the 2023 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Agbalaka nodded forcefully from Aminu Mohamedou’s corner kick in the 71st minute.
The Flying Eagles moved from bottom place to second on the table after a hard-fought win.
Egypt dominated the opening exchanges but the Flying Eagles improved later in the match.
Ladan Bosu’s side finished the first half as the better team but failed to get any real goal-scoring opportunity.
Egypt regained control of the match after the break as they sought to impress the scattered crowds at the Cairo International Stadium.
Nigeria goalkeeper Chigeyuki Angebuso made two great saves to deny the Young Pharaohs in the 63rd and 65th minutes respectively.
Then left-back Agbalaka appeared with the winning goal from a wonderful header 19 minutes from the end.
The Flying Eagles will face Mozambique in their final group match on Saturday knowing a win will guarantee them a place in the quarter-finals.
U-20 Africa Cup of Nations: The Fantastic Flying Eagles return with victory over Egypt
