Nigeria kicked off their FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign with a win over the Dominican Republic, but it was not enough to put them on top.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles were bumped off the top spot in Group D of the FIFA U-20 World Cup despite beating the Dominican Republic 2-1 in their opening match.
Ladan Bosso’s boys kicked off their quest for a first world title with a hard-fought victory over the debutants on Sunday night.
Flying Eagles up and running
The Caribbean nation took the lead through a penalty from Edison Azcona in the 23rd minute, but Nigeria restored parity minutes later after an own Guillermo Ronaldo de Pena.
20:11 - 25.04.2023
Flying Eagles invite Arsenal, Inter Milan and AC Milan stars for U20 World Cup
Flying Eagles coach Ladan Bosso has decided to drop 10 players from the squad that won third place at the U20 AFCON for foreign-based players ahead of the FIFA U20 World Cup
Samson Adeniran Lawal then capitalised on a mistake at the back from the Dominican Republic to fire in the winner in the 70th minute.
Lawal’s winner temporarily put Nigeria on top of Group D but they were knocked off hours later after Italy secured a stunning 3-2 win over Brazil.
Italy claim top spot
The Italians raced into a three-goal lead in the first half, courtesy of Matteo Pratti’s 11th-minute opener and Chelsea star Cesare Casadei’s brace.
Although Brazil’s star boy Marcos Leonardo pulled two back late in the second half, Italy held on for a 3-2 win.
With the win, Italy overtook Nigeria by virtue of goals scored, even though they both have the same goal difference.
However, the Flying Eagles can regain top spot outrightly if they beat the young Italians in the top-of-the-table clash on May 24.
23:47 - 04.05.2023
Ladan Bosso reveals how Flying Eagles learnt from Olympic Eagles mistakes
The Flying Eagles will head to Argentina later in May with the intention to surpass Nigeria's best performance FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Nigeria then end their group-stage campaign with a clash against five-time champions Brazil on Saturday.
Related content
22:51 - 19.05.2023
CAF confirm date for AFCON Cote d'Ivoire 2023 draws
The 2023 edition of the competition is scheduled to hold in Cote d'Ivoire from January 13 to February 11, 2024.
17:27 - 19.05.2023
Official: CAF announce dates for Super Eagles World Cup qualifying campaign
The Super Eagles missed out on Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup but have the opportunity to qualify for the next edition in the United States of America, Mexico and Canada.
16:19 - 19.05.2023
Report: Super Eagles to likely get new coach as NFF open conversations with Adrian Mutu
The contract of current Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro is to expire in June this year.