Nigeria Outpaced Korea Republic, Through to the Knock-Out Stage of Turkey 2013.

Flying Eagles’ 1-0 victory over Korea Republic was enough for the team to proceed to the last-16 of the ongoing Under-20 World Cup in Turkey.

Kayode Celebrates His First Goal of Turkey 2013.
Kayode Celebrates His First Goal of Turkey 2013.

Nigeria took the lead inside ten minutes thanks to Olarenwaju Kayode’s first goal of the tournament. The goal provider was the in-form skipper Abdul Ajagun, who swung in a free-kick from the left, and unmarked, Kayode headed simply past Lee Changguen in the Asian’s goal.

Kayode Olarenwaju Headed Home For Flying Eagles.
Kayode Olarenwaju Headed Home For Flying Eagles.

Korea were very poor at marking out set-pieces, with the 16-year-old Onyinye Ndidi rising above all the Asian players to head just wide. The West Africans were in complete control of the early exchanges and Kayode almost increased his goal tally to two from a tight angle after a fine ball from Olaitan Michael.

The Heartland FC forward had another opportunity to score what would have been a goal of the tournament but Song Juhun forced him wide after a high ball, but struggled to come close to scoring a superb lob from the right side of the penalty area after hooking the ball back into his stride.

The South Koreans lacked cohesion that had so impressed against Portugal, with that disjointed nature continuing into the second period, while Flying Eagles were producing some fine flowing football at times.

The Asians saw plenty of the ball in the second-half but left their defence open to counter attacks. Ajagun was given an open sight of goal on the break, but a heavy touch saw his eventual shot charged down.

Abdul Ajagun.
Abdul Ajagun.

Nigeria were happy to try to limit chances as best as possible and hold on to a crucial result that saw them qualify, playing the runner-up from Group F in the knock-out stage.