Nigeria 2:1 Dominican Republic: Flying Eagles start U20 World Cup on a winning note

By Wale Mustapha

Nigeria’s U20 men’s national team popularly called Flying Eagles came from behind to defeat Dominican Republic 2-1 in the opening match of their FIFA U20 World Cup in Argentina on Sunday.

Ladan Bosso’s boys who were paired in what was tagged group of death expected to stroll over the tournament debutant from Central America but had to labour for the victory.

It was Dominican who took the lead in the 23rd minute when Edison Azcona converted from the spot after VAR confirmed an infringement in Nigeria’s box.

The Flying Eagles responded with quick fire attack forcing the Dominicans to their half. It would later paid for Nigeria in the 31 minute as they find the equalizer with Guillermo De Pena turning a cross into his own net.

Nigerian started the second half with upper hands as they controlled the proceedings with swift passes and dangerous attacks.

The shot themselves ahead for the first time in the game with 19 minutes to end the match after a loose ball fell to Samson Lawal in the box and the attacker wasted no time before placing it past the goalkeeper.

Sunday Jude tried a shot from outside the box to increase the tally for Nigeria but Dominican’s Xavier Valdez pulled a superb save.

Valdez was forced to another smart save in the added minutes as dive well to keep out a thunderous shot from Rilwanu Sarki from edge of the box.

The opening game ended with a deserved victory for Nigeria who will be hoping to get decent results against their next two opponents in Italy and Brazil to book a place in the next phase.