Nigeria won 2-0 against Chad in their Group G opener in qualification for the 2017 African Nations Cup.
Nigeria were firm favourites for the game but struggled to find a way past their opponents, with goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama needing to be alert to keep the visitors at bay during the first half.
The Super Eagles threatened to break the deadlock in the second half when Aaron Samuel hit the post before Gbolahan Salami eventually put them ahead on 63 minutes with a stunning strike.
Odion Ighalo was then pulled down in the penalty area before stepping up to convert for 2-0, but Nigeria saw Ogenyi Onazi sent off for shoving after the spot kick had been awarded.
Zambia‘s campaign got off to a disappointing start as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Guinea Bissau in Group E.
Guinea Bissau — ranked 155th in the FIFA World Ranking — were major underdogs for the clash against 68th-ranked Zambia in Ndola.
However, Zambia could not break the deadlock, with goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene missing a late penalty for the 2012 African Nations Cup winners.
Zimbabwe saw off Malawi 2-1 away in Group L.
Zimbabwe, whose players had refused to travel to Malawi over concerns they would not be paid, agreed to play after Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries leader Walter Magaya said costs would be covered.
Zimbabwe came away with victory over goals from Cuthbert Malajila and Khama Billiat either side of Davi Banda’s effort for Malawi.
Group L had seen the biggest shock on Friday when Swaziland beat Guinea 2-1.
Uganda beat Botswana 2-0 at home in their Group D opener in Kampala.
Geoffrey Massa and Brian Umony scored in the 55th and 66th minutes in a dominant performance as Uganda continued their fine run of form on home soil.
In Group B, Angola cruised to a 4-0 victory over Central African Republic.
Gelson scored a brace while Dolly Menga and Gilberto both added their names to the score sheet via the penalty spot.
Source: http://www.espnfc.com
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