It was a flying start by hosts Nigeria as they overcame spirited challenge from Kenya to shoot to the top of Group A in the female category of the ongoing second Airtel Rising Stars Championship holding in Lagos.

The only goal of the game came in the 32^nd minute off the boots of dazzling Edore Agbude and was enough to fetch Nigeria the full three points at stake. The pressure will thus become less on the girls as they wait for their other group opponents, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Gabon.

Dignitaries that watched the thrilling match played at the Agege Stadium include Nigeria Football Federation Vice Chairman Mike Umeh; Chair of Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Adamu Gumba, and Airtel Nigeria officials led by and CEO/MD, Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya.

All those who spoke with News Express commended Airtel for organising the championship, the biggest football competition for Arica’s under-17 boys and girls.

Sixteen boys’ teams are drawn in four groups and 12 girls’ teams in three groups of four teams each in the week-long championship. Nigerian boys are currently trading tackles with their DRC counterparts.

•Photo shows ex-international and former goalkeeper of Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Ann Chiejinne, displaying one of the teams she picked for the group stage matches . . . yesterday in Lagos.