Olarenwaju Kayode’s first goal of FIFA U-20 World Cup, was enough to see the Flying Eagles beat Korea Republic 1-0 and book a place in the last-16, with the Asians needing to wait on other results to know their future.

Kayode gave Nigeria the lead inside ten minutes, his first goal of the tournament – having struck three times at Colombia 2011. He was assisted by captain fantastic, Abdul Ajagun, who swung in a free-kick from the left, and an unmarked Kayode headed simply past Lee Changguen.

KAYSERI, TURKEY – JUNE 21: The Nigeria team line up for a team photograph before the FIFA U-20 World Cup Group B match between Nigeria and Portugal at Kadir Has Stadium on June 21, 2013 in Kayseri, Turkey. (FIFA)

Korea’s marking at set-pieces was leaving a lot to be desired, with the 16-year-old Onyinye Ndidi rising above all in red to head just wide. The Eagles were in complete control of the early exchanges, with Kayode almost doubling his tally from a tight angle after a fine ball from Olaitan Michael.

His next chance would have been a candidate for goal of the tournament. Song Juhun forced the Heartland FC forward wide after a high ball, but from the right side of the penalty area, Kayode hooked the ball back and was agonisingly close to scoring a superb lob.

The Koreans were lacking the rhythm that had so impressed against Portugal, with that disjointed nature continuing into the second period, while the John Obuh boys were producing some fine flowing football at times.

Even so, Korea Republic saw plenty more of the ball in the second-half but they were leaving themselves 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.

There was plenty of energy on show, but invention was largely lacking. As such, the Flying Eagles were happy to try to limit chances as best possible and hold on to a result that sees them qualify, playing the second-place side from Group F. Korea Republic, on the other hand, have an anxious wait.