Nigeria coach Augustine Eguavoen has revealed a basketball-inspired plan helped his team nullify Egypt star Mohamed Salah.

The Liverpool superstar was ineffective as Egypt were downed 1-0 by the Super Eagles in their AFCON opener.

"In terms of preparation and strategy, we had a special plan for Mohamed Salah because we know his quality," the Nigeria coach told BBC Sport Africa.

"Basketball is one game that I love so much. When you are playing against the likes of Allen Iverson, Michael Jordan and others if you don't double-team you'll have a problem.

"That is the same strategy that I bring into football. So when Mo Salah is with the ball, the closest person goes to him and the next person has to double-team to make him play back.

"It worked for us like 80%, but Salah broke loose one or two occasions which is normal, but again congratulations to the boys because they are so intelligent."

Nigeria next take on Sudan, while Egypt face Guinea Bissau in their second group game.