A Levin Oztunali fierce first half strike was enough for Germany to condemn Nigeria to their second defeat at the on-going Under-20 World Cup and see the Flying Eagles heading for a flight back to Africa.

In the second round fixture played this morning in Christchurch, Germany dominated for most parts and made their pressure pay in the first half when a slaloming run from the midfield ended with Oztunali at the left flank, who made no mistakes with his shot.

The Flying Eagles looked out of their depths completely in the first period, failing to string successful passes together. It was from an individual error, when Germany robbed a dilly-dallying Nigerian midfielder off the ball, that the Europeans scored.

The introduction of Isaac Success in the second half added some guile and bite to the Nigerian attack but the Germans were too organised and compact at the back to be seriously troubled by the Nigerians, who failed to muster a single threatening shot on target throughout the game.

Of note was the physical advantage Germany had over Nigeria. The Germans quite obviously taller and stronger. To have stood a chance, Nigeria needed superior techniques and speed of thought, which they unfortunately failed to offer.

This latest defeat means that Nigeria’s search for the under 20 trophy, which she has never won, continues.

•Photo shows Flying Eagles Coach Manu Garba.