The Flying Eagles of Nigeria defeated hosts Young Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire 2-0 in the first of two friendly matches at the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny in Abidjan on Wednesday.
The seven-time African champions dominated from kick-off and the hosts were fortunate to go into the break still on level terms with their visitors.
Captain Daniel Bameyi converted from the penalty spot three minutes after the hour mark to give the Flying Eagles the lead after forward Divine Oliseh was fouled in the Cote d’Ivoire box.
The Flying Eagles, who are two-time FIFA U-20 World Cup silver medallists, sealed the win 10 minutes from time through Oliseh as they kicked off their preparations for the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Both teams will square up to each other again at the same venue on Friday, as they test strength ahead of this year’s U-20 AFCON scheduled for April 26 to May 18.
Tournament hosts Cote d’Ivoire have been drawn in Group A alongside DR Congo, Ghana, Tanzania and the second representatives of Central Africa, while the Flying Eagles will face Egypt, South Africa and Morocco in Group B.
