Nigeria's Under-20 team, the Flying Eagles opened their 2015 African Youth Championship campaign with a 3-1 victory over host country, Senegal yesterday evening. Expectedly, Taiwo Awoniyi lived up to expectations, firing a brace in Flying Eagles' opening game.

The Kwara-born forward got the curtain raiser just ten minutes into the game played at the Stade Leopold Senghor to keep the Senegalese fans in check. He benefitted from a long pass from the back to beat un-rushing Senegalese goal keeper, Seydou Sy, for the first goal. The 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup winner doubled the advantage three minutes later also in the same manner with the junior Lions' shaky defence to blame for the gift to the Nigerian lads. However, the hosts similarly capitalized on a defensive mix-up in the vital area to pull back one before the first half break.

Sidy Sarr fired a low drive past Joshua Enaholo in goal for the Flying Eagles. The junior Lions fought hard to get the second to cancel out Nigeria's advantage but Enaholo proved equal to the task of pulling off fantastic saves. Attacking midfielder, Ifeanyi Matthew, added a third late in the first half for Manu Garba's team to stay on course for the first three points in the kitty. There were no goals in the second half despite some tense moments for both sides. With this win, Manu Garba's team sit atop Group A with three points plus two goals difference Nigeria's next match will be against Congo on Wednesday at the same Stade Leopold Senghor. Flying Eagles last Group 'A' match will be against Ivory Coast on March 14 at the Stade Caroline Faye. NIGERIA'S LINE UP: Enaholo, Muhammed, Abdullahi, Bello, Omego, Ifeanyi, Idowu, Matthew, Bulbwa, Ezeh, Awoniyi.