₦airaland Forum

2023 U-20 W/Cup: Flying Eagles Beat Debutant Dominican Republic 2-1 In Group Opener

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles came from a goal down to beat debutant Dominican Republic 2-1, in their first game in Group D of the U-20 World Cup on Sunday.

Dominican Republic took the lead in the 23rd minute through Edison Azcona from the penalty spot.

The Flying Eagles were back on level terms on 31 minutes following an goal by Guillermo de Pena.

With 20 minutes left to play Samson Lawal scored the winner to give the Flying Eagles the perfect start to the competition.

Ladan Bosso side will be back in action on Wednesday, May 24 when they will take on Italy in their second group game.

Meanwhile, Group D’s other game will see Brazil take on Italy later on Sunday.

The Flying Eagles have finished runners-up twice (1989 and 2005) at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Ajakaye lifts Falconets to excellent WAFU B U20 opener

22nd May 2023

Esther Ajakaye scored a hattrick as the Falconets pummelled the Niger Republic 7-0 at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi to begin their adventure at the 2023 WAFU B U20 Women’s Championship on an excellent note.

Parading a few of the girls that helped Nigeria reach the quarterfinals of the FIFA U20 World Cup in Costa Rica last year and some members of the bronze medal-winning Flamingoes from last year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in India, the Falconets had little trouble seizing control of the game.

By halftime, the coach Chris Danjuma-tutored girls were already leading Niger by three goals, with Esther Ajakaye netting twice within the opening quarter of an hour and Chinyere Kalu adding the other in the 39th minute. Adaobi Okah joined the goalscoring act barely five minutes after the restart before Ajakaye completed her hattrick in the 54th minute.

Victoria Alani made it six for the Falconets shortly after the hour mark, and Chioma Olise completed the rout with a fierce drive deep into stoppage time.

After a brilliant all-round performance, Ajakaye was named the woman of the match as Nigeria bagged their first three points of the tournament.

Nigeria will be back in action on Wednesday when they tango with Togo in Group B’s second match.

The Falconets will round up group-stage proceedings with a clash against Burkina Faso’s U20 national team at the Paa Joe Stadium next Sunday.