Taiwo Awoniyi Strikes Brace As Flying Eagles Book Round Of 16 Ticket

Seven-time African youth champions, the Flying Eagles of Nigeria have progressed to the final 16 of the Fifa under-20 World Cup after a comfortable 2-0 win over Hungary.

It took the predatory form of Taiwo Awoniyi for the African side to book its place in the knockout round at the Taranaki Stadium in New Plymouth, New Zealand.

Nigeria needed maximum points to make sure of their place in the knockout stages, but a draw could also have been good enough in booking their ticket as one of the best third-placed teams.

Both sides had followed similar paths to the final match in Group E, losing narrowly to Brazil and thrashing North Korea but Sunday night’s game at Stadium Taranaki was largely one-sided.

Nigeria’s pace and ability to move the ball into better attacking areas was evident throughout the first half as they took a deserved 1-0 lead into the break.

While they had to absorb some early pressure, Nigeria managed to keep the ball for longer periods.

Their domination was borne out by the halftime statistics as they managed 10 shots at goal, six more than Hungary who opted to only leave Bence Mervo up as their attacking threat.

In fact, Nigeria had already had eight shots at goal before Hungary managed their first, even then it was timid and never troubled the keeper.

Nigeria took the lead in the 33rd minute after a lightning run down the right side by Saviour Godwin who delivered a pin point cross for striker Awoniyi who gave Hungary keeper Gyorgy Szekely no chance.

The goal did nothing to change the Hungary formation, however, as they continued to heap numbers into midfield without pushing forward with conviction.

Their biggest problem was their inability to maintain possession for long periods. They also looked susceptible to any counter attack.

There was a bright moment early in the second half when  Mario Nemeth hit the post from distance but their chances continued to be limited.

Things turned even darker in the 54th minute when Awoniyi scored his second following a defensive mix-up when two Hungary players went for the ball in the air from a long throw from keeper Joshua Enaholo.

Awoniyi was quick to latch on to the mistake as he rounded the keeper and sent it home.

He could have had a hat-trick shortly after but sent his shot wide.

Flying Eagles Starters Vs Hungary U20: Joshua Enaholo, Musa Mohammed (c), Mustapha Abdullahi, Zaharadeen Bello, Wilfred Ndidi, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, Idowu Akinjide, Bernard Bulbwa, Kingsley Sokari, Godwin Saviour, Taiwo Awoniyi

Reserves: Dele Alampasu, Ojo Olorunleke, Izu Omego, Chidiebere Nwakali, Ifeanyi Matthew, Musa Yahaya, Kelechi Iheanacho, Chidera Ezeh, Isaac Success, Moses Simon