Nigeria’s U-20 team, the Flying Eagles shook off the opening game loss to Brazil to beat Korea Democratic People’s Republic 4-0 in its second Group E games.
The game played at the Taranaki New Plymouth Stadium, New Zealand, saw the Eagles unleash a breathtaking second-half attacking football that produced four goals and put the country’s 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign back on the rails.
Savior Godwin’s quick-fire brace in 48th and 51st minutes broke down the Korean’s resistance before Kingsley Sokari and Isaac Success 71st and 80th minute strikes sealed the three points for Nigeria.
The second half display and victory was hailed by coach Manu Garba as a true reflection of the technical pep-talk delivered during the interval. “We had a plan for what we wanted to do (in the first half) but they weren’t doing the right thing. We talked to the team and in the second half and they got the job done,” he said.
Despite seeing off the Koreans, Garba described the Asian opponent as a good side. “Korea DPR have a good side, and they played much better than they did against the Hungarians, but they are lacking when it comes to finishing. It’s not all about winning, but it’s about entertaining the crowd, and that’s something that our side did,” he said.
Nigerian and Hungary would fight for the second Group E ticket after the European team lost 1-2 to Brazil in the second game. Hungary shot themselves into early contention for the second group ticket with 5-1 hammering of Korea DPR on match Day 1, with Nigeria losing 4-2 against Brazil.
By Olisemeka Obeche
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