By Toju Sote
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria defeated Dominican Republic at the on-going 2023 U-20 FIFA World Cup in Argentina as they started their quest to win the title for the first time on a winning note. The match ended 2-1 on Sunday, May 21st at the Estadio Malvinas. Ladan Bosso’s men had to come from a goal down to secure maximum points in well-contested encounter.
Edison Azcona converted a penalty kick in the 23rd minute to put the Dominican Republic ahead and an own goal by De Pena Rosario levelled the scores eight minutes later. Subsequently Adediran Lawal’s strike got the win for Nigeria in the 70th minute of the encounter.
Nigeria are in Group D with Dominican Republic, Brazil and Italy who secured a 3-2 victory over the Brazilians on Sunday as well.
The Italians went on a rampage as they took a 3 nil lead in the first thirty-five minutes of the game courtesy of a goal from Spal’s Mateo Prati and a brace from Chelsea loanee to Reading Cesare Casadei. Marcos Leonardo, who plays for Santos in the Brazilian league got a brace as well, but it was not enough to secure a point for the Brazilians as the young Italians held on to their lead.
The Flying Eagles are currently first in Group D with three points. The Flying Eagles will play Italy next Wednesday, May 24 at the Estadio Malvinas in Mendoza while Brazil will take on Dominican Republic at the same venue.
