By James Copnall BBC West African football correspondent in Abidjan

Enyimba players celebrate one of their goals against Africa Sport

Enyimba made a commanding start in Group A of the African Champions League, sweeping aside the Ivory Coast's Africa Sport 3-0.

Onyekachi Okonkwo opened the scoring in the first half, before defender Obinna Nwaneri and substitute Ndidi Anumnu turned the second period from a stroll into a crushing victory.

The result means the defending African champions top Group A on goal difference.

Africa Sport had begun brightly, and if attacker Arsene Oka Toualy's shot had been firmer, the result might well have been different.

As it was, Enyimba started to boss the match and despite fluffing their lines when presented with several good opportunities, the Nigerians always seemed in control of the script.

Okonkwo seems to enjoy playing at the Felix Houphouet Boigny stadium in Abidjan, since he notched a late double last year when Enyimba beat Asec Abidjan.

This time the midfielder put in another great performance when he latched on to Emeka Nwanna's cross shot to open the scoring.

Enyimba might have finished the game in the first half, but spurned several chances.

Africa Sport missed an opportunity of their own when midfielder Paul Eric Dadbei Ble headed woefully wide as the half drew to a close.

Two minutes after the break, Enyimba's David Terzungwe Tyavkase played a short corner and centre-half Obinna Nwaneri's header crept inside the far post.

After that, Africa Sport's ambitions withered away and the home fans became restless.

They were positively fuming after a horrendous goalkeeping error presented Enyimba with a third goal.

Bernard Kouassi's attempted clearance was blocked, and Ndidi Amumnu was on hand to tuck home a goal that emphasized the gap in class between the two West African teams.