By Sedara Philip

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles defeated Dominican Republic 2-1 in their opening game at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Mendoza on Sunday night.

Dominican Republic playing in their first-ever game in a FIFA tournament took a shock lead on 23 minutes through captain Edison Azcona.

Azcona was fouled inside the box by centre-back Benjamin Frederick and after a long check, the North Americans were awarded a penalty by the centre referee.

The Inter Miami youngster bcolly slotted the ball home with goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso going the wrong way.

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.

The winning goal came 20 minutes from time.

Samson Lawal profited from a mistake in the Dominican Republic defence to score the winner.

The Flying Eagles will face Italy in their next game on Wednesday