Emmanuel Amuneke’s men dominated the game from the very beginning, missing several chances.

In the 25th minute Samuel Chukwueze came close with a looping header while skipper Kelechi Nwakali fired narrowly wide from outside the box in the 30th minute.

The Burundians had a big chance in the 17th minute but the effort came off the cross bar before Akpan Udoh in goal for Nigeria parried it away

After a goalless first half, Nigeria got the winning goal in the 68th minute through Chukwudi Agor.

Agor sold a dummy before unleashing a powerful strike from the edge of the box that sailed into the net.

The return leg will be played on the weekend of June 10-12 in Calabar.

Victory for Nigeria in the return fixture will mean the Flying Eagles will take on Sudan in the third and final leg of the qualifiers in July.