The Nigeria home-based Super Eagles team started their campaign at the African Nations Championships, CHAN, on a winning note as they thrashed West African neighbours, Niger, 4-1 at the 22, 000 capacity Kigali Regional Stadium on Monday.
After a drab first half, the second game of the day in Kigali finally burst to life in the second 45 minutes as Nigeria took the lead 30 seconds after the resumption of the second half through Osas Okoro.
Okoro, who plays for Enugu Rangers in the Nigeria Premier League, was perfectly set up by Tunde Adeniji and he calmly converted the chance that came his way.
The three other goals for Nigeria came off the boots of Abia Warriors fleet-footed striker, Chisom Chikatara who came in as a substitute for Adeniji.
The first of the night for Chikatara came in the 74th minute when he received a well floated pass from Okoro, the striker controlled the ball well before rifling it to the top corner of the net.
Niger gave Nigeria a scare when they pulled one goal back through Zakary Adebayor but Chikatara who was voted the man of the match was on hand to restore Nigeria’s two-goal lead.
After missing a flurry of chances, Chikatara completed his hatrick late in the game off an assist from Prince Aggreh to give Nigeria an empahtic win.
With the victory Nigeria are top in Group C with three points.
Support PREMIUM TIMES' journalism of integrity and credibility
Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
For continued free access to the best investigative journalism in the country we ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you are helping to sustain a journalism of relevance and ensuring it remains free and available to all.
TEXT AD: To advertise here . Call Willie +2347088095401...
![Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen [PHOTO CREDIT: @SSCNapoli ]](https://i2.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2021/07/229368314_4624268694273335_4383694560625733692_n-e1627757284549.jpg?resize=120%2C86&ssl=1)
![Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun [Photo credit: The Trent]](https://i2.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2020/08/The-Trent-e1597322606833.jpg?resize=120%2C86&ssl=1)
![Akwa United [PHOTO CREDIT: Official Facebook page of Akwa United FC]](https://i2.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2021/07/219557553_202165735248540_281312822435537037_n.jpg?resize=120%2C86&ssl=1)
JOIN THE CONVERSATION