Sports
U20WC: Flying Eagles Stun Italy 2-0, Advances To Round Of 16
In an outstanding match during the second matchday of the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup in Argentina, the Flying Eagles emerged victorious over Italy.
Nigeria’s team showcased remarkable skills as Salem Fago and Jude Sunday both scored their debut goals, leading their country to a 2-0 triumph in the Group D encounter held at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas on Wednesday evening.
Despite being relatively ineffective during the 53 minutes he spent on the field in the Flying Eagles’ 2-1 victory over the Dominican Republic on Sunday night, the 20-year-old player emerged as the hero when Nigeria secured their spot in the tournament’s knockout rounds with their second consecutive win.
Daniel Daga had the sight of the goal in the right minute but his low drive went off target.
In the 15th minute, Nigeria was awarded their first corner kick, and Salim Fago had an opportunity to score with a header, but unfortunately, he directed the ball over the crossbar despite a well-executed delivery.
Italy came close to scoring in the 21st minute when Pafundi skillfully evaded two Nigerian defenders and delivered a low cross.
Cesare Casadei connected with the cross and unleashed a quick shot that struck the crossbar. Nigeria swiftly cleared the ball after the close call.
Jude Sunday, who proved to be the most thrilling Nigerian attacker, had a promising chance just before the half-hour mark as he found some space on the edge of the box.
However, his final shot narrowly missed the target, whistling past the left post.
Shortly after, Agbalaka got at the end of another Nigerian corner but he was only able to head wide.
The Flying Eagles finally worked the Italian goalkeeper after Fago ran unto Abdullahi’s throughball and lashed a fierce drive that the goalie pushed past for a corner.
In a critical moment, Agbalaka was involved in a potential handball inside the box, which could have resulted in a penalty for Italy. However, VAR (Video Assistant Referee) intervened and saved Nigeria as it detected an earlier handball committed by an Italian player.
Towards the end of the first half, Aniagboso showcased his alertness by skillfully diverting a powerful long-range shot over the post, resulting in a corner for Italy. However, the corner failed to yield any significant opportunity for the Italian team.
The Flying Eagles demonstrated an impressive defensive performance, successfully thwarting the Italian team’s attacks.
It was particularly noteworthy considering Italy’s previous performance, where they scored three goals within the first 30 minutes against Brazil on matchday one.
Just seconds into the second half, Italy posed a threat, launching an attack that almost resulted in a goal.
However, Nigeria’s resilient defense managed to clear the ball off the goal line just in time, preventing it from trickling into the net after a well-executed interplay.
In response to Italy’s close call, Nigeria reacted swiftly as the team’s captain, Bameyi, unleashed a powerful strike from 25 yards, testing the goalkeeper who was forced to make a save as he felt the sting in his palms.
Following a period of intense back-and-forth play between the two teams, Nigeria finally managed to break the deadlock on the hour mark.
During a decisive moment, a well-executed cross found its way to Samson Lawal inside the box.
Lawal skillfully evaded a challenge and displayed excellent precision by finding an unmarked Fago, who then confidently headed the ball into the net, securing the opening goal of the match for Nigeria.
In a significant development for Nigerian football, former Super Eagles winger Finidi George has been appointed as the new head coach of the nation’s senior men’s national team.
This decision, announced by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday, follows the endorsement of its Technical and Development Committee.
George, a 52-year-old former player for Ajax Amsterdam and Real Betis, previously served as an assistant to outgoing coach José Santos Peseiro.
He took on the role of interim coach after Peseiro’s departure following the Super Eagles’ impressive performance in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
During his interim tenure, George oversaw two friendly matches in Morocco, where the team secured a historic 2-1 victory against Ghana but suffered a 0-2 loss to Mali.
The NFF statement reads, “George, a member of the so-styled ‘Golden Generation’ that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Tunisia and emerged as the second most entertaining team in Nigeria’s debut at the FIFA World Cup finals in USA the same year, won 62 caps for Nigeria, including featuring at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals.”
The statement commemorating George’s appointment as the new head coach of Nigeria’s senior men’s national team also paid tribute to his esteemed playing career.
It underscored George’s remarkable achievements, including securing gold, silver, and bronze medals from the 1992, 1994, 2000, and 2002 AFCON tournaments.
Additionally, the statement fondly recalled one of George’s defining moments when he assisted Rashidi Yekini, may he rest in peace, in netting Nigeria’s inaugural FIFA World Cup goal against Bulgaria in Dallas, USA, on June 19, 1994.
The newly appointed Super Eagles boss faces an immediate challenge as he prepares to lead the team in two pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and the Benin Republic.
Set to take place in Uyo and Abidjan within the next five weeks, these matches are deemed must-win encounters, as emphasized by the Nigeria Football Federation statement.
With the Super Eagles currently trailing behind in third place in Group C of the African campaign, behind Rwanda and South Africa, securing victories in these upcoming fixtures is imperative for the team’s advancement in the competition.
Thiago Silva has confirmed his departure from Chelsea, marking the end of his four-year journey at Stamford Bridge.
The announcement was shared on the club’s official website on Monday.
In a poignant farewell message to the fans, Thiago reflected, “Chelsea means a lot to me. I came here with the intention of only staying for a year and it ended up being four years. Not just for me but for my family, too.”
‘My sons play for Chelsea so it’s a source of great pride to be a part of the Chelsea family – literally because my sons are here. I hope they can continue their careers here at this victorious club that many players wish to be part of.
‘I think in everything I did here over the four years, I always gave my all. But, unfortunately, everything has a start, a middle and an end. That doesn’t mean that this is a definitive end.
“I hope to leave the door open so that in the near future I can return, albeit in another role here. But…it’s an indescribable love. I can only say thank you.”
Barcelona has been fined 25,000 euros ($26,680) by UEFA on Thursday for the racist conduct of their fans during the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain.
Alongside the fine, Barcelona faces a suspended ban on selling tickets to their supporters for their next away European match.
The tie concluded with Barcelona’s defeat, losing 6-4 on aggregate after PSG secured a 4-1 victory in the second leg.
Following the incident, Paris police questioned two individuals after videos emerged on social media showing one fan making monkey noises and another performing Nazi salutes at the Parc des Princes on April 10th.
UEFA said “The UEFA Appeals Body has decided to fine FC Barcelona 25,000 euros and to ban the FC Barcelona from selling tickets to its away supporters for its next UEFA competition match, for the racist behaviour of its supporters.
“Said ban from selling tickets to its away supporters is suspended for a probationary period of one year, starting from the date of the present decision.” It added
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