By Amosu Adeboye
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria kicked off their 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign on a bright note thumping Qatar 4-0 in their opening match of Group D at the Tychy Stadium on Friday.
The two-time first runners-up, Nigeria, who are making a return to the event after missing out on Korea Republic 2017 edition scored twice in the opening 30 minutes courtesy of strikes from Maxwell Effiom andbOkechukwu Offia in the 12th and 24th minute respectively.
Both goals were assisted by captain Ikouwem Udoh Utin.
It is the Flying Eagles’ 12th appearance in the competition while it’s Qatar’s fourth.
The Flying Eagles had their chance at goal in the third minute when Qatar’s goalkeeper, Shehab Mamdouh’s poor clearance was intercepted by Tom Dele-Bashiru, but the Manchester City youngster’s shot on goal was blocked.
Qatar came close to breakinig the deadlock two minutes later when Ahmed Suhail’s free-kick went inches wide of Olawale Oremade’s goal area.
Effiom made the Flying Eagles dominnace count in the 12th minute when Udoh’s goal bound shot was parried by Mamdouh onto the path of Effiom who rifled the ball into Qatar’s net from close range.
In the 24th minute Udoh’s cutback pass from the left flank found Offia who finished off the move with a simple tap in, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
In the second half, goals from Tom Dele Bashiru and Aliu Salawudeen completed the rout for Paul Aigbogun’s side.
Flying Eagles will face USA in their next game on Monday.
