The Super Eagles started their race to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations on a positive note with a 2-0 defeat of Chad in Kaduna on Saturday.

After a scoreless first half, in-form Warri Wolves FC forward Gbolahan Salami rocked the roof of the net for the first goal, off the first touch by substitute Odion Ighalo, and Ighalo made it two when he converted a penalty kick he won late on.

Coach Stephen Keshi gave three players their full debut, namely defenders William Ekong and Kingsley Madu, and midfielder Anderson Esiti. All three impressed.

Former junior international Rabiu Ibrahim also captivated the crowd with the way he energized the midfield when he came in midway through the second half, and defender Leon Balogun, midfielder Babatunde Michaal and forwards Ahmed Musa and Salami won applause now and again.

Nigeria’s next match in the qualifying series is away to Tanzania in the first week of September.

Author: NFF Admin