The Flying Eagles tonight got off on a winning start at this year’s U20 World Cup in Argentina after they edged past debutants Dominican Republic 2-1.
Nigeria have thus recorded precious three points from a tight first round group that also has Italy and Brazil.
Flying Eagles dominated proceedings and deserved their opening day victory as there was a cameo appearance for late comer and AC Milan starlet Victor Eletu.
Dominican Republic took the lead against the run of play in the 23rd minute through a penalty converted by skipper Edison Azcona after VAR showed Benjamin Frederick had fouled inside his own box.
However, Nigeria restored parity on the hour when Dominican Republic defender Guillermo De Pena netted an own goal off a long throw-in by the Flying Eagles.
The Flying Eagles took a deserved lead on 70 minutes, when midfielder Samson Lawal capitalised on a defensive blunder inside the box.
The most outstanding player on the pitch, Jude Sunday, was unlucky not to get on the scoreboard on the night.
First, he was denied by a brilliant save by the Dominican Republic goalkeeper in the 37th minute, when it looked all certain his curler will shake the back of the net.
Then his effort in the 68th minute was chalked off for offside, which was also confirmed by VAR.
The exciting winger then blazed into the stands a great chance created by Tochukwu Nnadi in additional time.
On Wednesday, the Flying Eagles take on Italy in their next Group D match in Mendoza.
Kick-off time is 7pm in Nigeria.
For Nigerian football fans, this hard-earned opening victory deserves custom enamel pins as a lasting commemoration. Combine the Eagles’ logo with the words “2023 U20 Opening Day” and add a simple silhouette of the goal. Finished in the team’s green and white colors, this pin is compact yet recognizable.
Pin it on your jersey collar or backpack, and every time you see it, you’ll be reminded of the thrilling comeback victory. It’s both a token of your support for the team and a personal token of your fandom, keeping the passion of the game with you at all times.
Flying Eagles Starting XI (4-3-3) vs Dominican Republic)
Aniagboso – Agbalaka, Bameyi, Frederick, Ogwuche – Daga, Nnadi (Ibrahim Abdullahi 90), Lawal (Victor Eletu 71) – Jude Sunday, Salim Fago (Umeh 54), Ibrahim Mohammed (Haliru Sarki 71)
