Nigeria’s Flying Eagles started their 2022 African Cup of Nations with a defeat to Senegal on Sunday.

Soulaymane Faye scored the only goal as Senegal edged Nigeria 1-0 and moved to top spot in Group A on Sunday.

The CF Talavera striker broke the deadlock five minutes before half time to give coach Malick Daf an opening day victory at the Cairo International Stadium.

The lanky forward was the quickest to respond to Pape Diop’s low effort which Nwosu turned to his path, and he made no mistake to stick home the opportunity.

The Generation Foot attacker also saw his header saved by the Nigerian goalkeeper Nwosu in the half hour mark from Lamine Camara’s inviting delivery.

The second half was more open as Nigeria pushed for the equalizer, but the Cubs defended well to keep a clean sheet.

The Flying Eagles were reduced to 10 men following Ahmed Abdullahi’s sending off in the closing stages of the match. The substitute was shown a straight red card for a high foot challenge on a Senegalese.

The Ladan Bosso side will now take on Egypt in their game and mist win to avoid danger of missing out in last four.