Nigeria loses their opening game against Venezuela

Nigeria began their U20 World Cup campaign with a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Venezuela.




Nigeria were reduced to 10 men just before half time when midfielder Lukman Haruna was shown a red card.



However the remaining players went on to a second half performance that will give them hope for the future.



Venezuela's Yonathan del Valle got the only goal of the game, just before the break.



Both teams struggled to deal with the pace and bounce of the artificial pitch in the Al Salam stadium in Cairo.



A strong, blustery wind also made life difficult for the players.



Nigeria's keeper Uche Okafor was forced into a series of impressive saves early on and did well to keep the scores level.



The Flying Eagles had chances of their own in the early stages but bad luck and poor control denied them.



Instead their cause was dealt a hammer blow in the 39th minute, when Monaco's Lukman Haruna was sent off for a late challenge.



And it was made worse on the stroke of half-time when Venezuela striker del Valle was allowed to pounce on a loose ball and put the South Americans into the lead.



Nigeria coach Samson Siasia clearly had strong words at half-time because the team came out with renewed vigour, albeit hampered by being a man down.



A series of corners nearly bore fruit with King Osanga going close and substitute Ibok Edat seeing his first touch cleared off the line.



Two minutes later he had another chance, but could only push it behind for a goal-kick.



It was a hugely improved performance by the Flying Eagles in the second period but they could not break through and their campaign begins in disappointing fashion.



Much more will be needed against Tahiti and Spain.