Ex-governor of Kwara State and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Bukola Saraki has lauded Nigeria's Flying Eagles after beating Italy against all odds in Argentina.

The former Senate President, who is the owner of ABS (Abubakar Bukola Saraki) FC, also urged the Flying Eagles to keep soaring at the tournament.

Flying Eagles moved to the rounds of 16 of the 2023 U20 World Cup with a game to spare after beating Italy 2-0 in Mendoza on Wednesday night.

Second-half goals from Salim Fago and Jude Sunday ensured Nigeria beat the high-flying Italians, who had defeated Brazil 3-2 in their first group game.

Nigeria broke the deadlock in the 61st minute through Salim Fago Lawal after he found the net with a diving header off a cross by Emmanuel Umeh.

Jude Sunday then doubled Flying Eagles' advantage in stoppage time when he got on the end of a long thrust by goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso, outran his marker before he slotted home.

Reacting to the impressive win after the match, Saraki took to his Twitter handle on Wednesday night to praise the team for their impressive performance against the junior Azzuris.

He wrote: “With 2 brilliant goals from Salim Fago and Jude Sunday against Italy, our Flying Eagles keep soaring in the #U20WC! Well done boys! #SoarFlyingEagles.”

Nigeria with the win now top Group D with six points from two matches, while Italy dropped to second on three points after playing the same number of games.

Ladan Bosso's men will be facing one of the pre-tournament favourites, Brazil, in their final group game on Saturday in La Plata.