Nigeria U20 2-0 Italy U20: Flying Eagles subdue Azzurrini to book Round of 16 ticket 

By Wale Mustapha

Two second half goals from Samuel Fago and Sunday Jude handed Nigeria a comfortable 2-0 win over young Azzurrini of Italy in the Group D second match of FIFA U20 World Cup on Wednesday in Mendoza.

It was a near perfect dominant match for Ladan Bosso’s side who were better than the Azzurrini in all departments and sealed their place in the knockout stages of the tournament with a match to spare.

Bosso had earlier promised not to be engrossed with Italy’s moves and worry about how they dislodged Brazil in the opening match but focus on his game plan and it truly came as planned for the Flying Eagles.

The Nigerians started the game stronger with early attempt when Daniel Daga unleashed a decent effort from just outside the box which goes narrowly wide of the left post.

Victor Eletu almost fired the West Africans in front but he directed his effort just wide of the left post.

Italy, on their own part, had their moments of brilliance as Cesare Casadei forced Nigeria goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso to a smart save with his effort from edge of the box.

Moments later, Casadei came close yet again and was also denied by woodwork soon after as he picked up the ball inside the box and produces a snap shot that came off the crossbar!.

Italy protested for a penalty with seven minutes to end the first half when Solomon Agbalaka was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box but the appeal was turned down after a review by VAR.

Abel Ogwuche could have given the Flying Eagles the lead with the last effort of the opening half with his precise attempt towards goal but was denied by goalkeeper Sebastiano Desplanches.

The Flying Eagles started the second half as they ended the first sir smart moves forcing the Azurria deep to their half and their efforts paid off in the 61st minute as Salem Fago gets on the end of a pass from Ume Emmanuel and it allows him to finish into an empty net with a close-range header.

Daniele Montevago fired a shot at goal from a very promising position outside the penalty area, but it is blocked by a self-sacrificing defender, Ogwuche.

Just as Italy were pressing for the equalizer in the added time, Nigeria sealed the win when keeper Aniagboso put a cross into the box and finds Sunday Jude on the run, he outwit his marker before firing past the Italy keeper.

The giant shot stopper would then make himself big to deny Montefago from reducing the deficit for Italy and handed Nigeria a clean sheet to secure their place in the next round with a match to go.

Nigeria will be going to their last group game against Brazil on Saturday with less pressure having secure the next round berth earlier.