The Flying Eagles of Nigeria beat the Gli Azzurrini of Italy 2-0 to maintain a perfect start to its U20 FIFA World Cup campaign, advancing to the Round of 16 with a game to spare at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza, Argentina.
Nigeria started with Salim Fago in attack, with Sunday Jude and Ibrahim Muhammad on the wings. For Italy, the Europeans featured Giuseppe Ambrosini and Simone Pafundi up-front.
Both sides came out firing in the first half, with two shots on target each as the match thrilled fans at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas. Italy domination possession, however, the scores remained 0-0 at halftime.
In the second half, Nigeria looked the sharper of the two sides at they created more chances. In the 61st minute, Figo Lawal opened the scoring for Nigeria with a brilliant header after substitute Umeh Emmanuel found the striker unmarked.
The goal sparked more life into Nigeria and they were determined to extend the lead.
- Read more: U20 World Cup Preview: Nigeria Vs Italy
Just before the final whistle, winger Jude Sunday scored Nigeria’s second of the night to put the result beyond doubt for the Africans.
The thrilling matched finished 2-0 in favour of Nigeria to cap off another victory in Argentina against the formidable Italians.
Ladan Bosso’s men have now picked up six (6) points from two games and now tops Group D of the 2023 U20 FIFA World Cup.
Full-time in our first two games of the day ⏱️#U20WC
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) May 24, 2023
Nigeria will now end their group stage campaign against Brazil on Saturday, May 27th, 2023.
Brazil will face Dominican Republic in the other Group D encounter later tonight.
