Golden Eaglets Beat Niger 2-0 In CAF U-17 Opener

                          Nigeria’s Under-17 team, the Golden Eaglets, made an impressive start at the 2015 CAF U-17 championship by winning the opener against the hosts, Niger, 2-0.

Goals from Victor Osimhen after 18 minutes and Captain Kelechi Nwakali’s beautiful free-kick from outside the box gave the two-time junior champions victory in an entertaining opener at the Stade Seyni Kountche in Niamey.

Niger went close with Souradjou Alhassane just before the break but could not test Nigeria’s keeper, Akpan Udoh.

In the second half, the Emmanuel Amuneke-tutored lads rallied to try and get back in the back into the game with striker Ibrahim Issoufou, the main threat, but the Eaglets were resolute at the back and held on to collect maximum points and pile pressure on the debutant hosts who now face a ‘must-win’ clash against Zambia in their second Group A fixture.

The opening match was preceded by a colourful ceremony depicting Niger’s history, culture and song and traditions.

It was attended by the host President, Mahamadou Issoufou; the President of the Confederation of African Football, Issa Hayatou; members of the Executive Committee of CAF; and members of the Organizing Committee of the CAF U-17 championship."