Salomon Kalou, the Chelsea striker, scored midway through the second half to help Ivory Coast to a winning start over Nigeria in the battle of the Group B heavyweights in the African Cup of Nations.

The match in Sekondi featured 12 starting players who ply their trade in the Premier League, plus Danny Shittu, the Watford central defender, who filled a midfield berth for Nigeria.

Didier Drogba, the Chelsea striker, led the line well for the Elephants, but it was his team-mate at Stamford Bridge, Kalou, who broke the deadlock, beating two men before firing home for the only goal after 66 minutes.

Kalou’s success was a mixed blessing for his club side, who although will be pleased to see him doing well, know this positive result against the other strong side in Group B all but ensures the Ivorians will progress to the quarter-finals, further prolonging their absence from domestic action.

Ivory Coast were well worth their victory, as Drobga saw a shot blocked by Shittu and Kalou saw a fine effort from the edge of the area go just wide in the final minute.

Nigeria’s misery was compounded when they lost Kanu with an injury that forced the Portsmouth striker to be carried off of an stretcher before being substituted.

Earlier today, Morocco went to the top of Group A as a first-half hat-trick from Soufiane Alloudi helped them to a 5-1 victory over Namibia.

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