Nigeria defeated Dominican Republic after falling down in their FIFA U-20 World Cup Argentina 2023 opener at Mendoza Stadium.
After 23 minutes, Benjamin Fredrick was adjudged to have fouled Guillermo De Peno within the penalty box, handing the Dominican Republic the lead in their first-ever FIFA match at any level.
Captain Edison Azcona took command of the situation and delivered his country’s first strike.
Soon later, though, De Peno inadvertently glanced a long throw into his own net, allowing Nigeria to tie the game. The inability of Xavier Valdez to block the shot made this feasible.
Valdez was hurt as a result of the incident, but he quickly recovered to make a magnificent diving save to stop the dangerous Jude Sunday.
The Flying Eagles put the pressure on in the second half, and with 20 minutes left, Samson Lawal beat Valdez after a clumsy Israel Boatwright back-pass.
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Nigeria and the Dominican Republic will restart their U-20 World Cup game against Brazil and Italy, respectively, on Wednesday.