Nigeria's under-20 team won their first game at the African Youth Championship

A reasonable crowd saw the opening two Group A games either side of the official opening ceremony.

The Ivorians started the under-20 tournament with a narrow 1-0 win over Mali while Nigeria easily beat their hosts Benin 3-0.

Nigeria dominated the entire match against Benin and opened the scoring in the 26th minute with a goal from Taye Taiwo.

Taiwo, who has just been signed by French club Marseilles, converted a penalty after Obinna Nsofor was fouled by a Benin defender.

The Flying Eagles then doubled their lead just eight minutes later when David Adwo picked up a pass from Isaac Promise before rounding the Beninois goalkeeper to easily find the back of the net.

Two minutes before half time Benin were awarded a penalty when the Nigerian 'keeper, Ambrose Vanzerin, brought down Coffi Agbessi.

However Vanzerin made up for his error by saving Seidath Tchomogo's spot kick.

Ivory Coast's under-20 players are celebrating once again

Nigeria sealed their victory with a third goal in the very first minute of the second half when Nsofor's shot from the edge of the penalty area found the bottom left hand corner of the Benin net.

Earlier in the day Mali's under-20 side dominated the first half of their Group A clash with the Ivory Coast but failed to take advantage.

Mali's best chance came moments before the break when Dembele Khalifa's shot hit the upright.

Sidibe Amodu pounced on the rebound but his follow up shot was saved by Ivorian goalkeeper Vincent Angban.

The Ivorians got back into the match in the second half and in the 61st minute Diaby Abdramane secured the victory as his shot from the edge box found the back of the net.

Ivory Coast will play the host nation Benin in their next match while Mali play Nigeria, both matches are on Tuesday.