Flying Eagles Defeat Italy To Reach FIFA U-20 World Cup Round-of-16

By: Gyang Dakwo

Flying Eagles of Nigeria reached the FIFA U-20 World Cup round of 16 with a 2-0 victory over Italy in their second group D match decided on Wednesday May 24.

The win takes Nigeria to top-spot in group D plus a place in the round-of-16 with a final group stage clash to spare.

Italy started well on the night, buoyed by their impressive 3-2 win over five-time champions Brazil on matchday one but the Flying Eagles were not to be easily cowed.

After surviving an early Italian onslaught, Nigeria began to ask questions of their own through brilliant attacking play.

In the 61st minute, Nigeria deservingly broke the deadlock when Salem Fago headed home a cross from Emmanuel Umeh.

The goal sparked life into the Carmine Nunziata tutored Italy U-20 team but it was the Flying Eagles who doubled their lead deep into stoppage time when Jude Sunday scored from a Chijioke Aniagboso assist to seal the win.

As it stands, Nigeria lead in group D with 6 points from victories over Dominican Republic and Italy who occupy second spot with 3-points.

The Ladan Bosso tutored Nigeria U-20 team will now face Brazil in the last group game on May 27, same day Italy will play Dominican Republic.