The Flying Eagles of Nigeria on Wednesday night got a 2-0 victory over Italy which saw them book a place in the round of 16 of the U20 WC

There is a popular Nigerian proverb that says ” No be who first call police, dey win case”.

For the first 30 minutes of the game between Italy and Nigeria, the Azzurrini’s controlled the game and were on the front foot possession-wise and in attempts but had no luck finding the back of the net, thanks to Nigeria’s composure at the back.

The Flying Eagles simply were not in the game, they could not keep hold of the ball, getting dispossessed and outplayed.

The Italians had a few chances, especially one by Prati in the 20th minute that struck the crossbar. Jude Sunday for the Flying Eagles saw his shot going wide in the 28th minute keeping the game goalless.

In the 37th minute, the Italians had an opportunity to take the lead from the spot but it was chalked off after a VAR review of the potential penalty due to an Italian foul on the previous play, outside the 18-yard box, which saw a free kick awarded to Nigeria.

15 minutes before the stroke of halftime Fago Lawal also saw his attempt go begging and so it remained goalless at the break.

The Flying Eagles then found their footing in the second half measuring up the tempo from Italy and eventually taking the lead in the 61st minute from a cross from Umeh Emmanuel to Fago Lawal for a beautifully struck header.

Nigeria held on to their one-goal cushion up until the lead was doubled in extra time by Jude Sunday to make it two wins in two games for the Flying Eagles.

The Flying Eagles showed a high level of doggedness and determination against the Italians. The victory sees Nigeria go first in Group D with six points to secure a place in the knockouts with a game to spare.