By Nurudeen Obalola
The Flying Eagles kicked off their campaign at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations with a victory on Thursday, beating Tunisia 1-0 in Cairo, Egypt.
Auwal Ibrahim scored the only goal of the tight contest to send the Flying Eagles to the top of the Group B standings.
The seven-time champions laboured to get going and create chances in a largely scrappy match until Ibrahim struck before half-time.
The Akwa United midfielder scored nine minutes before the break after bursting through a huge gap in the Tunisia defence to stroke the ball beyond the goalkeeper from inside the box.
There was little cohesion in the play from both sides in the second half but the Flying Eagles were almost presented with a golden opportunity to extend their lead.
A penalty was awarded to Nigeria in the 70th minute but the decision was overturned two minutes later, after the referee was sent to the pitchside monitor by the video assistant referee (VAR).
Despite not being much of a threat, Tunisia almost snatched a late equaliser but were denied by a fine save by goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt three minutes from time.
The Flying Eagles next face Morocco on Sunday in their second group fixture.
