Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets began their title chase in style with a commanding 4-1 victory over Benin Republic in their opening Group B match at the WAFU B U-17 Championship on Wednesday.
The encounter, staged at the Stade du Lycee Scientifique in Yamoussoukro, saw forward George Agha steal the spotlight with a brilliant hat-trick.
The youngster struck first in the 4th minute, before David Edeh doubled Nigeria’s advantage just two minutes later.
Agha went on to add two more goals in the 14th and 31st minutes, putting Manu Garba’s boys firmly in control before half-time.
Benin Republic managed to pull one back through Jeremy Zannou on the stroke of the interval, but it proved no more than a consolation.
With the emphatic win, the Golden Eaglets sit top of Group B on goal difference ahead of Burkina Faso, who also have three points.
Both sides will clash on Saturday in what promises to be a decisive showdown for first place in the group.
For Benin, the defeat confirms their exit from the competition after back-to-back losses.
