The Flying Eagles secured a 1-0 win over the Young Swallows of Burundi in the 2017 U-20 AFCON qualifiers at the Prince Louis Rwagasore Stadium in Bujumbura on Saturday.
Despite the Burundi FA throwing the gate open for massive home support just to give the Nigerians a hostile reception, coach Emmanuel Amunike-led team gave no room for intimidation.
Both teams could not break the deadlock in a goalless first half.
The start of the second half saw Nigerian attack Burundi with fluidity and tenacity.
Breakthrough came for the Flying Eagles via a 64th minute strike by Chukwudi Agor.
The U-20 AFCON defending champions – with seven titles – did everything to protect the vital lone goal.
The second leg will be played in Calabar, Cross River State on the weekend of June10-12, and the eventual winner of the encounter will square up against Sudan for a place in the U-20 AFCON tournament in Zambia.
