Nigeria got their FIFA U-20 World Cup back on track as they recovered from their opening defeat to Portugal to cruise past Cuba 3-0 in Kayseri, according to Fifa.com.
A first-half double from Animu Umar, followed by captain Abdul Ajagun getting his third of the tournament, allowing the west African side to reassert their knock-out stage aspirations, in what was the pairs first meeting at any level of international football.
Nigeria were unable to break down the Cuban’s early on, with Chidi Osuchukwu’s speculative free-kick the closest they came. Nigeria’s man of the moment Ajagun almost opened the scoring with a superb lob, from the right of the penalty area while running at full pace, but Sandy Sanchez was relieved to see it land on the roof of the net.
Seconds later they were ahead. Ajagun fed Olarenwaju Kayode down the left wing, who got clear of the defence, before squaring to Umar to score what is likely to be one of the simplest goals of his career.
Umar had another four minutes later, which had a touch more flair to it. Osuchukwu’s deep corner eventually found Abdullahi Shehu, who drilled a cross that Umar flicked between his legs and into the bottom corner. Olaitan Michael almost made it three with a superb right-footed effort that cannoned off the outside of the post.
Nigeria were in full control, and that continued into the second period, Kayode breaking beyond the back line and firing wide across goal. He charged forward in similar style moments later, but in choosing to square to Ajagun, Abel Martinez was able to clear.
Ajagun did get his goal though, with 67 minutes on the clock. Kingsley Madu’s cross deceived Sanchez and Ajagun stooped to head home, seeing him become the top-scorer so far. Ajagun missed the chance to double his tally for the day late on, missing from the penalty spot after Martinez upended Kayode in the area. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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