Flying Eagles beat Korea to revive hope

11:17 04/06/2015
New Plymouth - African Youth Champions, Nigeria, bounced back to reckoning in the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup with a comfortable 4-0 victory over North Korea in a Group E match, at the  Taranaki Stadium in New Plymouth, New Zealand, this morning (06h00 CAT kick-off) to boost their hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds.
Two goals in the space of three minutes set the Nigerians on their way during a superb second-half performance, which helped them comeback to reckoning.
A 34-metre effort on goal from Musa Mohammed came off the upright as the Flying Eagles started the match on a positive note.
It was a good sign that the team had overcome the disappointments of losing 4-2 to Brazil in the group opener at the same match venue on Monday morning.
The passing and pressing game of the West Africans continued, but they were wasteful and complacent in front of goal.
They failed to turn their early dominance to the desired result they wanted.
Also read: ‘Flying Eagles’ll bounce back from opening day loss’
Livewire of the Flying Eagles, Godwin Saviour, who netted a brilliant brace, was denied by goalkeeper Jong Hun as Nigeria continued their search for the opening goal.
On the half-hour mark, a well-taken free-kick by Musa Mohammed was turned to the path of Taiwo Awoniyi by goalkeeper Jong Hun. The young forward missed a sitter from close range.
The Flying Eagles continued to boss the game. However the cutting edge was lacking and they grew frustrated as the first stanza approached it climax.
Goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo, who looked confident after his horrific performance against Brazil, made a good save late in the first half.
With the West Africans looking rejuvenated and refreshed at the beginning of the second stanza, they were in front three minutes into resumption.
A cross from the right-flank by Musa Mohammed was headed home by the skillful Godwin Saviour. The Plateau United winger out jumped goalkeeper Jong Hun to score.
In the 51st minute, the busy Godwin Saviour made it 2-0. He scored another to put Nigeria two goals up. Taiwo Awoniyi spotted his dangerous run with an intelligent pass. The Flying Eagles were back in contention for the knockout phase.
The Flying Eagles ran rings round the Asians with their patient build up from the back.
The floodgates then continued, as the imperious Kingsley Sokari found a third 19 minutes to the end of the match with a powerful drive 23 metres to goal, before substitute Isaac Success capped off a brilliant team performance by sealing the maximum points.
Flying Eagles Starters Vs North Korea U20: Joshua Enaholo, Musa Mohammed (c), Mustapha Abdullahi, Zaharadeen Bello, Wilfred Ndidi, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, Idowu Akinjide, Bernard Bulbwa, Kingsley Sokari, Godwin Saviour, Taiwo Awoniyi
Reserves: Dele Alampasu, Ojo Olorunleke, Izu Omego, Chidiebere Nwakali, Ifeanyi Matthew, Musa Yahaya, Kelechi Iheanacho, Chidera Ezeh, Isaac Success, Moses Simon
-Soccer Laduma