Flying Eagles Crash To Brazil

FIFA U20 World Cup

Result: Nigeria U20 2-4 Brazil U20

Date: 1 June 2015

Strings of mistakes by the defenders and goalkeeper cost Nigeria as they crashed 4-2 to Brazil in the FIFA U20 World Cup in a thrilling encounter at the Tekarani Stadium.

Gabriel broke the deadlock in the 4th minute, placing the ball into the net after a good move.

Isaac Success equalised in style just six minutes later, though, slotting the ball into the net after good work from Kelechi Iheanacho.

Alef had a chance to restore his team's advantage on eighteen minutes, but he was denied by goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo who pulled a one-handed save.

Just a minute later, Judivan tested Enaholo with a screamer towards the top corner, but the Nigerian goalkeeper was able to dive at full stretch.

Having successfully seen out a spell of constant pressure from Brazil, Nigeria took the lead.

Musa Yahaya placed the ball into the bottom-left corner to net his first goal of the competition.

Judivan, who was a constant threat to the Nigerians in the first half, was gifted a goal in the 34 minute.

The ball watching defenders allowed space for a pass to be sliced to the path of Judivan, who rolled the ball into the net.

At the beginning of the second half, the reigning African Champions were quick out of the blocks with their fluid passing game.

Taiwo Awoniyi who had an average game was denied by Brazil goal tender Jean.

One minute before the hour mark, Brazil took the lead once again. 

It was substitute Boschilia with the goal. His speculative strike from long range sneaked past Enaholo.

Nigeria pressed for an equalizer and almost got it when Iheanacho went on a solo run. It was his last contribution of the match as he made way for Kingsley Sokari fifteen minutes from time.

The South Americans finally nailed the Africans in the 82nd minute.

Judivan profited from another criminal error by Enaholo to complete an impressive brace.

With this latest result, Nigeria are yet to beat Brazil in five attempts at U20 cadre.

How they started:

Flying Eagles Starters: Joshua Enaholo, Musa Mohammed (c), Mustapha Abdullahi, Zaharadeen Bello, Wilfred Ndidi, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, Ifeanyi Matthew, Musa Yahaya, Isaac Success, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi

Reserves: Dele Alampasu, Ojo Olorunleke, Izu Omego, Chidiebere Nwakali, Idowu Akinjide, Bernard Bulbwa, Godwin Saviour, Chidera Ezeh, Kingsley Sokari, Moses Simon