Nigeria started off their African Nations Cup campaign with a 1-0 win over West African rivals, Ghana in group D.

The Super Eagles played better and deserved to have gone ahead in the first half but Ghana’s Sammy Osei Kuffour stood tall at the rear for the Ghanaians.

The Eagles kept the heat on the Ghanaian defence with goalkeeper Sammy Adjei pulling great saves to ward off the series of attacks.

Ghana struggled to go forward with lone attacker, Matthew Amoah struggling to get behind the Eagles defence.

The first half ended goalless.

Back from recess, the Eagles continued to pile on pressure and Sammy Adjei continued pulling some great saves.

Nigeria’s Osaze Odemwingie managed to cut inside the Ghana defence but his shot went wide off Sammy Adjei's goal.

Karyea Kingston should have put Ghana in front.

He had the goalkeeper at his mercy and within seven yards from goal, he made poor contact allowing Vincent Enyeama to push the ball away.

Matthew Amoah could have also put Ghana ahead but headed wide from close range.

But in the 86th minute, Taye Taiwo scored with a low long-range strike after a free-kick was played across to him.

The goal settled the game at the Port Said stadium.

Ghana play Senegal next on Friday.