Nigeria opened their African Nations Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory away to Chad, who proved a tough opponent in Saturday’s Group G clash.
The Super Eagles, who won the tournament in 2013 but failed to qualify for the following edition two years later, struggled to carve out openings against a resolute Chad side for long periods.
Gbolahan Salami finally put Nigeria ahead two minutes past the hour mark when he blasted a powerful shot into the roof of the net after a pull-back from Michel Babatunde.
Nigeria were awarded a controversial penalty which Odion Ighalo converted 11 minutes from time to put the result beyond doubt, with the referee’s decision sparking furious protests from Chad players.
The visitors finished with ten men after Ogenyi Onazi was dismissed for a wild challenge on an opponent.