U-20 World Cup: Flying Eagles Down Italy, Move Into Last 16

The Flying Eagles are through to the last 16 of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup after stunning Italy on Wednesday in Mendoza.

Ladan Bosso's side condemned Italy to a 2-0 defeat to avenge their 2-0 loss to the Europeans at the 1987 edition of the competition in Chile. 

The first half was dominated by Italy who were buoyed by their impressive 3-2 win over five-time champions Brazil on matchday one. 

But the Flying Eagles neutralised the attack of their opponents to ensure that the deadlock wasn't broken in the first 45 minutes.

In the second half, the tempo changed as the Eagles gradually grew into game, threatening the opposition's defence.

The Eagles eventually got rewarded for their efforts when an unmarked Salim Fago headed the ball into the net for the opening goal.

Fago's flying header stunned the Italians who sent bodies forward for a possible equaliser.

Their decision to pull themselves back on level terms led to a second goal deep into stoppage time.

Goalkeeper Kingsley Aniagboso halted a menacing Italian attack defence and sent a  long ball forward to Jude Sunday to pursue. 

The young attacker raced forward, got control of the ball before putting it beyond Italy’s goalkeeper to round-off the proceedings. 

With the win, the Eagles have moved to the top of Group D with six points from two games.