Nigeria launched their campaign on a winning note beating hosts Senegal 3-1 in the tournament opener on Sunday at the Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium in Dakar.
A first half brace from Taiwo Awoniyi and a Ifeanyi Michael strike towards the end of the half was enough for the Flying Eagles to snatch the maximum points in the Group A clash whilst Sidy Sarr scored in between for the hosts.
Before the Senegalese could settle the Nigerians were up two goals, thanks to a Michael Awoniyi brace after eleven minutes.
A first half brace from Taiwo Awoniyi and a Ifeanyi Michael strike towards the end of the half was enough for the Flying Eagles to snatch the maximum points in the Group A clash whilst Sidy Sarr scored in between for the hosts.
Before the Senegalese could settle the Nigerians were up two goals, thanks to a Michael Awoniyi brace after eleven minutes.
The Imperial Football Academy forward capitalized on blunders by the hosts rear and goalkeeper Seydou Sy to score both goals. For the opening goal on eight minutes, after being put through he shot past onrushing Sy before firing into the yawning net.
Three minutes later, yet another defence splitting pass from Ifeanyi Matthew found Awoniyi and he rounded Sy again before slamming home for the second goal.
Cheered on by an ecstatic crowd, ‘Les Lionceaux’ soon began to discover their feet and succeeded in reducing the deficit on 26 minutes through Sidi Sarr, on their major move into the Nigerian half.
The hosts kept the Nigerian defence boiling with consistent raids led by righty back Alhassane Sylla, leading to two chances within a spate of two minutes towards the end of the halve.
On 39 minutes, Sarr failed to connect home with only Nigeria goalie Joshua Enaholo to beat whilst Ibrahim Wadji headed wide in a similar position.
The Nigerians restored their two-goal lead just before the break through Matthew with a shot that beat Sy and make matters worse for the host nation.
The Senegalese were the better for the remainder of the game but failed to make that count on paper.
Midway through, substitute Soro Mbaye was unlucky as his shot after being set up by Moussa Kone missed target by inches.
Orange Man of the Match
Taiwo Awoniyi (Nigeria)
Three minutes later, yet another defence splitting pass from Ifeanyi Matthew found Awoniyi and he rounded Sy again before slamming home for the second goal.
Cheered on by an ecstatic crowd, ‘Les Lionceaux’ soon began to discover their feet and succeeded in reducing the deficit on 26 minutes through Sidi Sarr, on their major move into the Nigerian half.
The hosts kept the Nigerian defence boiling with consistent raids led by righty back Alhassane Sylla, leading to two chances within a spate of two minutes towards the end of the halve.
On 39 minutes, Sarr failed to connect home with only Nigeria goalie Joshua Enaholo to beat whilst Ibrahim Wadji headed wide in a similar position.
The Nigerians restored their two-goal lead just before the break through Matthew with a shot that beat Sy and make matters worse for the host nation.
The Senegalese were the better for the remainder of the game but failed to make that count on paper.
Midway through, substitute Soro Mbaye was unlucky as his shot after being set up by Moussa Kone missed target by inches.
Orange Man of the Match
Taiwo Awoniyi (Nigeria)
By: Cafonline.com
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