The Flying Eagles now have the battle of their lives on Thursday night against Ukraine after they lost 2-0 to USA tonight in their second Group D match of the U20 World Cup in Poland.
A goal in each half by Sebastian Soto downed the Nigeria U20s.
Ukraine have already qualified for the knockout rounds of the tournament after they pipped Qatar 1-0 earlier in the day.
They have six points from two matches.
Nigeria remain second in the standings on three points and a better goals’ difference than USA, who lost their opening game 2-1 to Ukraine.
Qatar are bottom of the group without any points.
USA deserved their win over the Flying Eagles, they bossed the ball possession and their mobility troubled their opponents to no end.
Their famous player Tim Weah, son of the legendary George Weah, tormented them and he should also have got on the scoresheet in the first half only to be denied by goalkeeper Olawale Oremade.
In the second half, the Flying Eagles stepped up their game, but Soto’s second goal on 46 minutes took some of the fight out of them.
Even when they pushed forward, they struggled to create chances and so making it difficult for the attack to put the USA defence under much pressure.
The Flying Eagles starting XI: Olawale Oremade – Rabiu Zulkifilu, Ikouwem Udoh, Aliu Salawudeen, Valentine Ozornwafor – Jamilu Mohammed, Maxwell Effiom, Tom Dele-Bashiru (Aniekeme Okon 31), Kingsley Michael (Success Makanjuola 70) – Jerome Akor (Tijani Mohammed 54), Henry Offia
Coach: Paul Aigbogun
