Flying Eagles have their wings clipped in ongoing U20 World Cup as they lose 0-2 to US

NIGERIA'S Flying Eagles have suffered their first defeat in the ongoing U20 World Cup currently taking place in Poland after they were beaten by two goals to nil the US in their second match of the tournament.

Forward Sebastian Soto struck twice for the US in each half of the game which took place at the  Bielsko-Bialo stadium. Last week, the Eagles had got off to a flying start, beating Qatar  4-0 in their opening game but with the defeat now sit in second place with three points from two matches and need a result from their final encounter against Ukraine later on in the week.

Having lost 1-2 to Ukraine in their opening match, the American coach Tab Ramos made just one change ahead of yesterday's game but this prove effective. In the 18th minute, Soto slipped past his marker and nodded home Alex Mendez’s corner-kick at the far post in the to give the US the lead.

Things stayed that way until half time but following the restart, the Americans resumed from where they left off, with Soto doubling their lead in the 51st minute.  Chris Gloster played him through beautifully after a marauding run and Soto then got his feet and hips right, waited for the Nigerian goalkeeper to collapse before prodding the ball into the net with the inside of his right foot.

Nigeria were not without a few chances in the game as substitute Aniekeme Okon’s ferocious volley was saved by Brady Scott in goal for the Americans. That was followed by forward Maxell Effiom’s stinger from outside the right corner of the box which clipped the crossbar a minute later.

Towards the end, Nigeria were awarded a penalty but this was later ruled out after a video replay showed that the striker was offside before the foul was committed. With this result, both Nigeria and the US have three points after two matches each, with one win and one loss each.

Ukraine who had earlier in the day defeated Qatar 1-0, lead the group with six points from two wins after two games. Nigeria are in second place ahead of the US on goals difference, with Qatar in fourth place.