The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria defeated their Congolese counterparts in the first leg qualifying round of for the Afican Youth Championship scheduled to hold in Niger, next year.

The only goal of that encounter came from the boots of Victor Osimhen who connected to a near perfect cross into the danger zone of Congo from Usman Abass, then beautifully nodding the ball into the net at the 13 minute.

Nigerian Goalkeeper, Akpan Udoh came to the saves after the host team added fire to its fury following Osimhen’s goal. The boys came with a match-powered zeal to pull one back level in the 25 minute, but the attempt from Chris Mutomba was parried away by Udoh.

DR Congo’s misfortunes were yet ended as another goal scoring opportunity was denied them by the woodwork, 40 minutes in the first half. Masini Dumbia saw his deflected shot skid off the goal post for a corner.

The Woodwork came to safety in the game again minutes later, just before half time, this time for the Les Leopards goal line. Eaglets Captain Kelechi Nwakali had his freekick blocked; not by the goalkeeper but the goal post, leaving matters at 1-0 at the end of first half.

The match progressed into the second half with Nigeria resuming hostilities, with a combination of near misses and redeeming saves, neither team was able to get one past the other and so it ended 1-0 in favour of Nigeria as they prepare for the second leg match in a forthnight at the UJ Esuene stadium, Calabar.

Meanwhile, the coach has expressed disappointment with the performance of his wards in Kinshasa: "I'm not happy despite the fact that we won this match.

"If we had taken our chances, the story would have been different because we had all the chances but we wasted so much.

"We have seen what the Congolese can do and that means more work for us in the second leg but we are positive of going through eventually," he added