Flying Eagles of Nigeria defeat Italy to reach FIFA U-20 World Cup round-of-16

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.

A resilient Nigeria U-20 team stunned the Gli Azzurrini of Italy courtesy of a 61st minute header from Salem Fago and a stoppage time strike from the impressive Jude Sunday.

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

It was the Flying Eagles who carved out the first chance of the match in the very 1st minute.

Nigeria forward Samson Lawal saw his effort saved by the Italian goalie.

Tommaso Baldanzi, Simone Pafundi and Cesare Casadei all tested the Nigerian goalkeeper in a drab opening half which had Nigeria threaten through Samson Lawal, Jude Sunday and Solomon Agbalaka.

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.

Jude Sunday scored from a Chijioke Aniagboso assist to seal a 2-0 win for Nigeria over Italy.

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.