Nigeria 1-0 Zambia: Golden Eaglets make winning start to U17 Africa Cup of Nations

The two-time champions begin its campaign for a third title at the Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui, Constantine on Sunday night and the Golden Eaglets started well and control the possession in the early stage.

Abubakar Abdullahi thought he had put the Eaglets ahead just 13 minutes into the game but was adjudged to have strayed offside.

Minutes later he was presented with another opportunity to the Nigerians ahead but his header off Micheal’s cross was clawed out on the goal line by Shadrack Kalyati.

Not long later, Tochukwu Ogbadigbo shot high over the crossbar, and Kalyati made another heroic save to stop Precious Williams from giving Nigeria the lead as there’s nothing to separate both sides at halftime.

However, both teams hit the woodwork in the first period and Abubakar Abdullahi saw his efforts saved twice as Nigeria piled on the pressure.

In the second half, Zambia were better off and commanded more of the possession. They had a good chance in the 71st minute when substitute Obvious Mwaliteta sent Stainly Nyamikwe through on goal, but the Katter saw his effort well saved by the keeper.

The Eaglets’ prolonged spell of pressure paid off and Daniel was perfectly positioned in the Zambian goal area to ram in the shot into the net off a ricochet.

He struck powerfully past the Zambian goal-tender from a goalmouth melee 14 minutes to the end.

The young Eagles could have extended the scoreline after Abdullahi was pulled down in the Zambian goal area but Light Eke placed the resulting penalty into the palms of Kalyati.

The missed penalty could have cost Nigeria but a late rally from the Junior Chipolopolo was not enough as the goal proved to be the sole difference in the edgy encounter.

Meanwhile, Golden Eaglets defender, Yahaya Lawali was named Man of the Match following the slim victory.

The Eaglets will face Morroco in their second game of the group on May 3 before playing South Africa three days later.

The four top-placed teams at the 12-nation finals will represent Africa at this year’s FIFA U17 World Cup.