Salah stifled as Iheanacho fires Nigeria to victory over Egypt in AFCON opener

Kelechi Iheanacho propelled Nigeria to victory over Egypt to condemn Mohamed Salah's side to a disappointing start in the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Leicester striker received the ball from Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo on the edge of the area and volleyed into the top corner with aplomb to put the Super Eagles ahead on the half-hour mark.

Liverpool talisman Salah was unable to replicate Sadio Mane's heroics for Senegal on Monday and hardly had a sniff of goal against a well-drilled Nigeria outfit who committed bodies to stifling the Premier League sensation.

Iheanacho's Foxes teammate Wilfred Ndidi was a standout performer, dominating the midfield battle against Arsenal 's Mohamed Elneny and Aston Villa 's Trezeguet.

Egypt were forced into an early change as Mohamed Ahmed replaced injured defender Akram Tawfik and Pharaohs manager Carlos Queiroz made a further three changes in the first 15 minutes of the second half to little effect.

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Held in front of a boisterous crowd at the Roumde Adjia Stadium in Garoua, Cameroon, Nigeria had the pick of the chances and former Liverpool forward Taiwo Awoniyi found the underside of the bar early in the second half.

Salah, who discussed his future at Anfield earlier on Tuesday, saw a powerful volley blocked before the linesman's flag went up for an earlier offside infringement.

Moments later, the former Chelsea and Roma star was denied by Nigeria goalkeeper Maduka Okoye from close range after he was played in by a fine ball over the top.

There was concern for Ndidi in the centre of the park as he went down in the closing minutes, but the 25-year-old was able to continue after a suspected bout of cramp.

Nigeria had chances on the counter-attack as Egypt pressed for the equaliser and goalkeeper Mohammed El Shenawy was called into action to smother substitute Chidera Ejuke's effort before the full-time whistle blew.

The result comes as a blow to Egypt's hopes of building on their record-seven AFCON titles ahead of Saturday's clash with Guinea Bissau.

Nigeria, in contrast, will carry plenty of confidence into their next Group D encounter, against Sudan earlier that day.

Egypt's defeat by Nigeria came after defending champions Algeria were held to a goalless draw by Sierra Leone in their Group E opener.

The Desert Foxes, captained by Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez, were frustrated by a fine performance from Sierra Leone goalkeeper Mohamed Kamara.

Former England defender Steven Caulker also played a key role keeping Algeria at bay, making two crucial blocks in his first appearance since switching allegiances to the West African country.