Balogun unused in Nigeria's opening African Cup of Nations victory

Brighton & Hove Albion defender Leon Balogun was an unused substitute as Nigeria began their 2019 African Cup of Nations campaign with a 1-0 win over tournament debutants Burundi in Group B this (Saturday) evening.
Brighton & Hove Albion's Leon Balogun. Picture courtesy of Getty ImagesBrighton & Hove Albion's Leon Balogun. Picture courtesy of Getty Images
Brighton & Hove Albion's Leon Balogun. Picture courtesy of Getty Images

Second-half substitute Odion Ighalo netted what proved to be the winner on 77 minutes. The ex-Watford forward produced a fabulous curled finish after a delicious back-heel from defender Ola Aina.

Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr elected to start Udinese's William Troost-Ekong and Chelsea's Kenneth Omeruo in the centre-half positions ahead of Balogun.

Guinea face Madagascar, also tournament debutants, in the the other Group B fixture at 9pm this (Saturday) evening.

Nigeria now face Guinea on Wednesday (3.30pm k.o.).

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