The Flying Eagles of Nigeria, Friday, lost 2 -3 to Portugal in the ongoing FIFA Under 20 World Cup group stage football at the Kadir Has stadium in Kayseri in Turkey.
A brace from Nigeria captain Abdul Ajagun, after being 2-0 down at half-time, was not enough for the African side, as a double from Bruma, either side of Aladje’s strike earnt them victory.
After a slow start, Portugal began to make the best of the running. A neat, slalomming run from Bruma saw an early sight of goal open up, but his wayward effort did not trouble Chukwunenye Okani.
Nigeria made their way back into the game, Portugal went closer still to opening the scoring. A fine cross whipped across by Joao Cancelo found Aladje, but his stretched effort crept wide.
The pressure finally told soon after, though. This time Bruma made no mistake, slotting confidently past the advancing Okani following a slick pass by captain Joao Mario.
Aladje made it 2-0 minutes later. Bruma was found in all sorts of space on the left, and when Okani could only palm his shot, Aladje was happy to tap into the open net.
While Nigeria had their chances to draw a goal back, none were better than Abdul Ajagun’s two efforts from close range, forcing Sa into a stunning double save right on half-time.
After the break Nigeria looked keen to reduce the deficit, and they did just that on the hour mark. A sublime through-ball from Olarenwaju Kayode found captain Ajagun, who this time beat Sa with a deft dink over the onrushing keeper.
Ajagun then drew the Flying Eagles level with an even better effort. A deep corner found him all alone in the Portugal penalty area, where he controlled the ball and sublimely curled it into the far corner of Sa’s goal.
In what was now an end-to-end game, Nigeria’s joy was short-lived. Bruma got his second of the game less than two minutes later, after Ricardo Esgaio’s through ball, slotting inside the near post from the edge of the area.
Ajagun had the chance to bag his hat-trick ten minutes from time, but Sa was on hand to continue the pair’s sparring with another fine save, but the Europeans hung on for victory. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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