U20 WC Italy 0 Nigeria 2: Lawal and Sunday goals send Flying Eagles into knockout stage
Published: May 24, 2023
Nigeria's U-20 national team, Flying Eagles on Wednesday evening advanced to the knockout stage of the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup after beating Italy 2-0 at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in their second Group D game.
Flying Eagles head coach Ladan Bosso made just one change to the starting lineup against Dominican Republic with AC Milan youth product Victor Eletu taking the place of Tochukwu Nnadi in the starting lineup.
The Eagles were presented with the first real sight on goal as early as the second minute when Fago Salim turned swiftly to let fly a low shot that was saved by goalkeeper Sebastiano Desplanches
Italy's danger player, Tomasso Baldanzi wriggled his way inside the Nigerian box after collecting a good pass from a teammate but his shot was off target.
Baldanzi's teammate Simone Pafundi was next to try his luck at goal but it did not trouble Kingsley Aniagboso in goal for Nigeria
What could have been a promising move for Nigeria broke down in the 14th minute.
Eletu won a tussle in midfield, found Ibrahim Muhammad who teed up Salim Fago Lawal, but the ball was cleared by an Italian defender.
There was a huge let off for Nigeria as the ball struck the bar before Benjamin Fredrick cleared the ball. The Eagles were under intense pressure orchestrated by Italy number 10, Baldanzi.
The Flying Eagles escaped the anguish of a penalty as a VAR checked in the 38th minute showed the ball hitting an Italian's arm before a supposed handling of the ball by Agbalaka. The on-field referee's decision was a free kick to Nigeria
Centre-back Frederick was yellow-carded for foul on Baldanzi towards the end of the first half while Aniagboso produced a smart save to deny the Italians to keep the score even before the break.
In the 61st minute, second half substitute Umeh Emmanuel found Salim Fago Lawal with a weighted short cross after a tussle with an opponent. The latter then headed into the net from the six yard box for the opener.
Italy forward Daniele Montevago curled a beautiful shot from close range but the ball was deflected for corner albeit some of his teammates wanted a penalty claiming a handball in the box.
The Eagles had a fast break in a swift counter which produced a corner kick late on.
The Africans however made it 2-0 through Jude Sunday and they held on for the priceless win despite a late Montevago header that Aniagboso had to save on the second attempt.
Izuchukwu Michael
Photo Credit : fifa.com
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
- 'The Next Bull' – Besiktas icon Amokachi gives his blessing to new signing Tammy Abraham
- Farewell to a legend: Nigeria mourns Super Eagles icon and 1994 Afcon winner Peter Rufai
- Adesina brothers depart Chelsea: Attacker joins Spurs academy, midfielder off to Man City youth
- Glasgow-born Nigerian striker who spent a decade at Celtic extends West Brom stay
- Super Eagles pay tribute to late Liverpool star Diogo Jota; why he missed friendly v Nigeria
- Preston North End on brink of deal for 2019 Golden Eaglets invitee
- Confirmed: Talented midfielder of Nigerian descent signs new deal with Celtic
- Official: Highly rated midfielder Arinze signs new five-year contract with FC Midtjylland
- 'Signed a new contract' – Igoh Ogbu addresses speculation about his future at Slavia Prague
- 'They call her Kante' – CAF names Super Falcons midfielder among rising stars to watch at Wafcon


- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Casinos not on Gamstop
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Football Betting
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- 1Win
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football
- SHBET
- keo nha cai
- F168
- F168
- okvip
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88
- hi88