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African champions Nigeria as expected beat minnows Tahiti 6-1 in their Confederations Cup opening Group B match on Monday in Belo Horizonte, but they were given a run for their money for a while.
However, the Nigerians always had an extra gear and a hat-trick by Nnamdi Oduamadi spearheaded their victory.
Nigeria took less than five minutes to open their account through an unfortunate own goal by Nicolas Villar – possession having originally fallen to the Nigerians with a rebound off the referee – and the Super Eagles doubled their lead in the 10th minute through Oduamadi.
He was to add another later in the half when the Tahitian ‘keeper Xavier Samin spilled the ball at his feet.
Tahiti got a deserved reward when John Tehau rose at the back post to head home in the 54th minute and spark the Tahitians’ traditional air paddling a canoe celebrations.
However, Tehau turned villain as he scored an own goal followed by Oduamadi’s third and a final one by Uwa Echiejile wrapped things up.
