Nigeria opened their Total U-20 Africa Cup of Nations account with a hard fought 2-0 win over Burundi on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at the Stade General Seyni Kountche in Niamey.

The Flying Eagles who have been tagged as the group favorites leaved up to expectation by breaking down a resolute Burundian team who managed to contain them in the first period which ended goalless.

Paul Osahon Aigbogun’s charges had several attempts on goal in the first half but failed to beat the outing keeper Rukundo in the Burundi goal.

Alhassan had a chance to give the Flying Eagles an early lead but his headed effort was poor and did’t trouble Rukundo

Rukundo pulled another brilliant save to deny Yahaya whose overhead volley was turn for a corner.

The young Burundians fought hard in the first half marching the strength of their Nigerian counterparts but felt short in the second period when Yahaya and Effiom both found the net.

Burundi where a threat going forward on the counter with the speedy Mohamed Amissi but the Nigerians managed to deal with his trickery and speed.

Nazifi Yahaya broke the deadlock ten minutes after the restart with a superb header to ease the pressure on his before Maxwell Effiom secured the victory with a stylish finish past the keeper.

The Flying Eagles now lead the group with three points two more than the hosts Niger and South Africa whom they face next.

Soka25east.com