Nigeria’s Flying Eagles edged past group B opponent Dominican Republic by 2-1 in their opening game at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Mendoza on Sunday night.
Dominican Republic drew the first blood within 23 minutes through captain Edison Azcona.
Incidentally, they were playing their first-ever FIFA tournament in history and it was against Nigeria’s Flying Eagles.
Azcona was fouled inside the box by center-back Benjamin Frederick and after a long check, the North Americans were awarded a penalty by the centre referee.
The Inter Miami youngster slotted the ball home with goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso going the wrong way for the North Americans first ever FIFA competiton goal.
The lead lasted eight minutes with Guillermo de Pena nodding into his own net for Nigeria’s equaliser.
Jude Sunday had a ferocious shot saved by the Dominican Republic goalkeeper four minutes before the break.
The Flying Eagles were in total control of the game after the break.
Nigeria’s Samson Lawal lashed on to a loose ball after a defensive error to put Nigeria ahead in the encounter.
The Nigeria U-20 side will play Italy on Wednesday in Mendoza for thr second group B encounter.