Two unreplied second half goals saw Nigeria’s Super Eagles beginning their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying race on a bright note. The final whistle just sounded to being an end to the match played at Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.

After forcing the hosts to a scoreless first half, the hard-fighting Chadians were stunned when a rampaging Gbolahan Salami riffled home the opener in the 62^nd minute.

Quick changes made by Coach Stephen Keshi saw the Eagles becoming more aggressive. Substitute Odion Ighalo was pulled down in front of the Chadian goal and got up to stab home the second goal from the penalty spot in the 79^th minute.

The Super Eagles, who won the AFCON in 2013 but failed to qualify for the last edition, ended the match with a man less after midfield star Ogenyi Onazi was given the marching orders for retaliating an attack by a Chadian player shortly before Ighalo wrapped up the game with the second goal.

•Photo showsthe Super Eagles.