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The Flying Eagles defeated Dominican Republic 2-1 at the Estadio Malvinas Argentina in Mendoza.
Nigeria's Flying Eagles got off to a superb start at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup on Sunday, defeating debutants Dominican Republic 2-1 in their first game of the competition.
The tie, a first-ever meeting for both nations at this level, saw Ladan Bosso's side come from behind to secure all three points.
Nigeria 2-1 Dominican Republic: As it happened
The Nigerian tactician lined up a formidable side for his first game of the tournament, featuring a majority of the stars that helped Nigeria pick up bronze at the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
The Flying Eagles, unfortunately, started off the game o the back foot as it was the Dominican Republic to score the first goal thanks to its captain Edison Alexander Azcona Vélez.
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Drawn into Group B of the competition, the Flying Eagles are to face five-time champions Brazil, 2017 bronze-medalists Italy, and debutants Dominican Republic.
An own goal by Dominican Republic's defender Guillermo De Pena, eight minutes later, then saw Nigeria get back into the game after moments of piling constant pressure on the Caribbean country.
The second half then saw the Flying Eagles get their second as Samson Lawal profited from a Dominican defensive mix-up and cooly buried the ball past Xavier Valdez.
Bosso's substitutions including the introduction of AC Milan's Victor Eletu, then saw Nigeria play more confidently, and protect the lead for a 2-1 victory.
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