Flying Eagles progress to second round of U20 World Cup with 2-0 win over Hungary

NIGERIA'S Flying Eagles have qualified for the second round of the ongoing U20 World Cup with an emphatic 2-0 win over Hungary that secured their qualification from Group E and sets up a mouth-watering clash against Germany.

 

After a bad start that saw them lose their opening match 2-4 to Brazil, the Flying Eagles have regrouped and bounced back, winning their second match against North Korea 4-0. This morning, they followed that up with another win, confirming their status as one of the favourites to win the tournament.

 

Before the tournament taking place in New Zealand started, Nigeria and five-times winners Brazil, were tipped as the two favourites to lift the trophy. Both teams now progress to the last 16 from their group, along with Hungary still qualify as one of the best third-placed teams and will now kick face Group D winners Serbia in Dunedin.

 

This morning at New Plymouth's Taranaki Stadium, striker Taiwo Awoniyi provided a brace, which sealed the match and justified the Flying Eagles'  dominance of the game. Coached by U17 World Cup-winning manager Manu Garba, the Flying Eagles were the better side throughout, nullifying dangerous Hungarian striker Bence Mervo and providing a constant threat at the other end.

 

They would have taken the lead as early as the 16th minute but for an incredible save from goalkeeper Gyorgy Szekely, who stuck out a strong right hand to beat away Awoniyi's powerful close range header. However, the Hungary keeper was merely delaying the inevitable though and was helpless to prevent the deadlock being broken 17 minutes later.

 

Awoniyi was the scorer, ghosting away from his marker to volley in at the near post from Saviour Godwin's teasing low cross. Hungary rarely threatened a comeback but did produce one effort of note a few minutes into the second half as Mario Nemeth was just a couple of inches away from a wonder goal having taken aim from 30 yards and rattling the crossbar with Nigerian goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo beaten.

 

However, the points and second place  were secured in the 54th minute when Awoniyi doubled his and tally. It was a goal that neither Attila Osvath or Akos Kecskes will want to watch again, with the Hungary duo having both gone up for the same header at the halfway line, collided and missed the ball entirely.

 

Awoniyi could hardly believe his luck and although he still had some work to do, he did it in style, dribbling past a covering defender before rounding Szekely and tucking the ball into the unguarded net. Nigeria will now face Germany at the Christchurch Stadium on Thursday to determine who goes through to the quarter finals.