Nigeria’s Under-20 national team – the Flying Eagles – secured their spot in the knockout stage of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup after a convincing 2-0 victory over Italy, in their second Group D encounter.
Head Coach, Ladan Bosso, made a single change to the starting lineup, replacing Tochukwu Nnadi with AC Milan Academy product, Victor Eletu. The Eagles created the first significant scoring opportunity, with Fago Salim’s low shot saved by Italian goalkeeper, Sebastiano Desplanches, early in the game.
Italy’s Tomasso Baldanzi managed to penetrate the Nigerian box with a skilful run, but his subsequent shot missed the target. Simone Pafundi also tried his luck at goal but failed to trouble Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Kingsley Aniagboso. Despite a promising move for Nigeria that broke down, the team remained resilient under intense pressure from Baldanzi.
The Eagles narrowly avoided conceding a penalty as VAR detected an Italian player handling the ball, leading to a free kick in Nigeria’s favour. Both sides went into the break without a goal but that changed in the second half. Substitute Umeh Emmanuel set up Salim Fago Lawal with a precise cross, and Lawal made no mistake as he headed the ball into the net from close range, giving Nigeria the lead just after the hour mark.
Italy’s Daniele Montevago unleashed a superb curling shot, which was deflected for a corner, but some of his teammates unsuccessfully appealed for a penalty due to a perceived handball. In the dying minutes, the Flying Eagles took advantage of a swift counterattack, resulting in a corner kick that led to their second goal courtesy of Jude Sunday. Although Montevago threatened with a late header, Aniagboso made a crucial save to secure the vital victory for Nigeria.