Chikatara Grabs Hattrick As Nigeria Maul Niger 4 – 1 In CHAN Opener

By Chris Nomjov

The home-based Super Eagles got off to a flying start at the ongoing CHAN 2016 in Rwanda, with a 4- 1 comprehensive win against the Mena of Niger.

Substitute Chisom Chikatara scored a clinical second half hat trick to help Oliseh’s boys see off their counterparts from Niger. The forward should have had more, as he spurned 4 clear cut chances, as the team played fluid and fast-paced attacking football.

The Abia Warriors star man Chisom Chikatara was the hero as he came from the bench, to decide the Group C clash at the on-going African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Both teams played a goalless first half, that had one clear cut chance and a flurry of offside calls; as the highlight for the Nigerian side. The boys from Niger were comfortable to play the Super Eagles attackers offside and did that pretty decently.

However, as play resumed in the second half, Osagie Okoro, was played through by Ibenegbu and he opened the scoring with a delicate finish. Afterwards substitute Chikatara came off the bench in the 57th minute, to score a hat trick, as Nigeria recorded a convincing victory over their counterpart. Chikatara was voted Man of the Match after an excellent display.

For what it’s worth, the Nigeriens put up a spirited display and Adebayor’s thunderbolt, deserved more than a mere consolation.