Nigeria outclass Algeria but settle for 1-0 win
( 2002-01-22 11:27 ) (7 )

Nigeria opened their Nations Cup campaign with a stylish 1-0 win over Algeria on Monday, but the Super Eagles should have won by more.

Nigeria, twice Nations Cup winners and runners-up on four occasions, looked the more assured and took control of the game early.

Striker Julius Aghahowa, who plays for Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk, scored the only goal of the game just before halftime when he skipped down the right flank, cut inside three defenders and fired a low shot inside the near post.

However, he raised a bigger cheer with his goal celebration -- five perfectly executed back flips.

Ipswich midfielder Finidi George and Paris St Germain's Jay Jay Okocha created space and plenty of opportunities for the Nigerians and Real Betis striker Victor Agali should have scored in the 15th minute when he was put through by Okocha but his first touch let him down.

Okocha then had a couple of long range shots before Nigeria then lost their way in the middle of the field.

Algeria then began to take the game to Nigeria in the latter part of the first period with Troyes' Rafik Saifi repeatedly robbing Okocha and George of the ball.

Saifi upstaged the flashy Nigerians with his own deft flicks and surging runs for a period late in the first half and in the 34th minute his powerful shot flashed past a post.

However, after the break Nigeria came out confidently, with Arsenal striker Nwankwo Kanu, on as a substitute, particularly lively.

Kanu had plenty of opportunities to extend the lead but one shot was stopped by goalkeeper Lounes Gaouaoui's legs from close range, while three other drives from outside the box went wide.

Okocha also went close with a header and substitute Tijani Babangida should have done better after beating the defence down the right as Nigerian finished the game on top.