Eaglets off to a winning start

The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria got off to a flying start at the CAF U-17 Championship after a 2-0 win over host Niger Republic.

First half goals from Victor Osimhen and Kelechi Nwakali gave the three-time world champions victory at the Stade Seyni Kountche in Niamey.

Niger started brightly but it was Nigeria who took the lead after just 18 minutes through Osimhen.

The host twice came close to grabbing an equaliser through Sourajou and Mohammed but the Eaglets held to the lead.

Nwakali came close to putting his side 2-0 up in the 20 minute but his shot failed to test the Nigerien keeper.

But he was not to be denied in the 29th minute from a free-kick to extend the lead.

In the second half, Niger fought hard to at least reduce the deficit but the Eaglets did well to contain them.

The Golden Eaglets will play Guinea on Wednesday, while their final Group A match will be on Saturday against Zambia.

Nigeria starting XI: Udoh, Awal, Abbas, Zakari, Bamidele, Osinachi, Michael, Nwakali, Suleiman, Charles, Osimhen