LONDON, CMC:
BARTHOLOMEW OGBECHE pumped in two goals as Nigeria knocked off the Republic of Ireland 3-0 yesterday in the opening game of the triangular Unity Cup tournament, that also includes Jamaica's Reggae Boyz.
The Africans led 1-0 at the half en route to notching a comfortable win in the first of three tournament matches at The Valley -- Charlton Athletic's London ground.
36TH MINUTE GOAL
The 21-year-old Ogbeche put Nigeria ahead in the 36th minute with a low shot from just inside the penalty area that ricocheted in off the left-hand post.
Ogbeche, on loan from Paris St Germain to Corsican club Bastia, had struck the post midway the half.
Obafemi Martins doubled Nigeria's lead in the 50th minute, running from mid-field against a retreating Irish defence to fire low across goal into the right-hand corner.
The tournament continues tomorrow when Jamaica play Nigeria, and the last
game will be played on Wednesday between Jamaica and Ireland.
