The Flying Eagles found it difficult going against Group D rivals the Dominican Republic but eventually managed a come-from-behind 2-1 win over the debutants in their opening game at the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup in Argentina on Sunday.
The Dominican Republic took a shock lead when Edison Azcona sent goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagbaso the wrong way from a penalty after just twenty-three minutes.
But Guillermo de Peña scored an own goal to restore parity eight minutes later before Isaac Lawal profited off a defensive error to put Nigeria in front on the 70th-minute mark.
Both sides spurned chances to add to their tallies with Nigeria particularly wasteful but Ladan Bosso’s side held on for all three points as they got their campaign off to a winning start.
Brazil take on Italy in the group’s other game later on Sunday evening.
