Nigeria’s Flying Eagles kicked off their outing at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Dominican Republic on Sunday night.
An own goal from Dominican’s left-back Guillermo de Pena and a calm finish from Samson Adeniran Lawal was enough to seal the comeback win for Nigeria after Edison Azcona had put the Caribbean side ahead.
Come from behind W????
Three points in the bag!
Italy up next on Wednesday #NGADOM #SoarFlyingEagles #U20WC pic.twitter.com/EwI23ppf61
— The NFF ???????? (@thenff) May 21, 2023
Despite Nigeria’s early dominance, they fell behind to a penalty in the 23rd minute after centre-back Benjamin Frederick was ruled to have fouled an opponent.
Azcona stepped forward for the spot kick and he sent the ball pass goalkeeper Chinoso Aniagboso.
However, Nigeria grabbed an equaliser in the 31st minute after Pena turned a cross from a corner-kick into his own net.
The Flying Eagles continued to mount pressure with Jude Sunday forcing two great saves from the Dominican goalkeeper.
Second-half substitute Emmanuel Umeh taught he had put Nigeria ahead but his effort was ruled out for offside after Ibrahim Muhammad was adjudged to have interfered with play.
Lawal then completed Nigeria’s comeback as he puts them ahead in the 70th minute, penalising the Dominican defence for a costly error.
The goal provided confidence for Ladan Bosso’s side as they kept on attacking their opponent’s goal but goalkeeper Xavier Derrig was up to the task, keeping the scoreline modest.
The Flying Eagles go atop Group D with three points and they will face Italy in their next group game at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas on Wednesday by 7pm (WAT).
