Ivory Coast yesterday in Sekondi made a fine start of their MTN Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a major victory against West Africa arch rival, Nigeria.

Chelsea of England's Solomon Kalou solo effort in 66 minutes separated the deadlock in a cracker that will have repercussions right until the tournament's end.

The Ivorian led by Chelsea point-man, Didier Drogba, looked more disciplined and accomplished throughout, but the Nigerian side were a bit less of their status as African number one team by the world soccer governing body, FIFA's ranking inspite of abundance talents paraded.

The opening match between Ghana and Guinea may have caught the imagination of the host support, but Eagles/Ivory Coast clash was the one that really seized the world's attention.

With a defeat in the first game, Nigeria are now under pressure to win their last two group matches to stand the chance of making the last eight.

Super Eagles next match is against Eagles of Mali on Friday before taking on Benin on January 29.