It was a rout, no doubt. Just as they had promised, African champions the Super Eagles of Nigeria mercilessly thrashed tiny Tahiti 6-1 in their FIFA Confederations Cup Group B opening match in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, ended just a few minutes ago.

It was the first time both sides were meeting and the Eagles did better than the 5-0 the youth team, the Flying Eagles handed out to their Tahitian counterparts at the Egypt 2005 World Youth Championship.

The goal harvest started in the fifth minute when Elderson Echiejile opened the books with a blinder. Five minutes later, hat-trick hero Nnamdi Oduamadi dribbled and scored, making it 3-0 in the 25th minute after latching into an empty net when the goalie failed to firmly grip Ahmed Musa’s cross.

Nine minutes into the second half, Tahiti got their solitary goal courtesy of Tehau, who nodded in a left wing corner kick. However, substitute Brown Ideye swept in the fourth goal for Nigeria in the 68th minute.

Oduamadi completed a hat trick in the 76th minute after tapping in Ideye’s cross while Echiejile grabbed a brace when he found the mark in the 80th minute.

The Eagles completely dominated the game but need to improve as they fluffed many scoring chances – which could prove deadly against the tougher opponents in subsequent matches.

Nigeria are now top of Group B on better goal difference than Spain, who beat Uruguay 2-1 last night, and play their second game on June 21 against third from bottom Uruguay.

•Photo shows hat trick hero Oduamadi.