Nigeria opened its African Youth Championship campaign on a positive note as Taiwo Awoniyi scored twice in a 3-1 win over hosts Senegal at the Stade Leopold Senghor last night.

Awoniyi got the Flying Eagles off to a perfect start, breaking the deadlock against the Young Lions in the tenth minute after benefitting from a long pass from the back.

The striker doubled the advantage three minutes later in the same manner.

He beat goalkeeper Seydou Sy to the ball before wrong footing a defender and netting his second goal of the night.

Sidy Sarr capitalised on a mix up in the 18-yard area, before slotting a low shot past Joshua Enaholo, who was outstanding for the Nigerian side.

Attacking midfielder Ifeanyi Matthew added a third late in the first half for Manu Garba’s team.

Nigeria’s next match will be against Congo on 11th March at the Stade Leopold Senghor.

The final Group A match will be against Ivory Coast on 14th March at the Stade Caroline Faye.