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Nigeria’s Flying Eagles wrapped up their preparations for the FIFA U20 World Cup with a commanding 3-1 victory over Australia in Santiago, Chile, Footynaija.com reports.
The closed-door encounter at the Complejo Deportivo Ruca Mapu gave coach Aliyu Zubairu a final look at his squad before Monday’s opener against Norway.
Nigeria made a fast start, with Tahir Maigana finishing neatly to open the scoring. Achihi Oseer quickly added a second, exposing gaps in the Australian defence.
The Young Socceroos briefly fought back, reducing the deficit before half-time, but Nigeria controlled the tempo after the break. Their pressing game forced mistakes, while the back line dealt calmly with Australia’s aerial threat.
With time running out, substitute Charles Agada fired in a late third, as Nigeria appeared to be the team with more physical dominance and attacking intent.
The win comes on the back of a 1-1 draw with hosts Chile, where Ahmed Akinyele had given the Flying Eagles an early lead before Felipe Faúndez equalised.
Australia, who edged Ukraine 3-2 in their last outing, struggled to match Nigeria’s pace and intensity and now face a daunting World Cup group containing Argentina, Italy and Cuba.
Nigeria, meanwhile, enter Group F brimming with confidence. After facing Norway in Talca, Zubairu’s boys will meet Saudi Arabia and Colombia in what promises to be a testing campaign. Kick-off against Norway is set for 9pm Nigerian time.
