Nigeria’s Flying Eagles secured a 2-1 victory over the Dominican Republic in their opening game of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Mendoza.
Despite playing in their inaugural FIFA tournament, the Dominican Republic took a surprise lead on 23 minutes through captain Edison Azcona, who earned a penalty after being fouled inside the box by centre-back Benjamin Frederick.
Azcona converted the penalty to put his team ahead, with goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso going the wrong way.
However, Nigeria managed to equalize just eight minutes later when Guillermo de Pena headed into his own net.
Prior to the break, Jude Sunday had a powerful shot saved by the Dominican Republic goalkeeper.
The winning goal came 20 minutes from time when Samson Lawal capitalized on a defensive mistake to score for Nigeria.
The Flying Eagles’ next game will be against Italy on Wednesday.