Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are through to the quarterfinals of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup after defeating host nation, Argentina 2-0 on Wednesday night to win their Round of 16 clash.
Ibrahim Muhammad scored the opener for Ladan Bosso’s side on the 61st minute. Argentina rallied to equalise the goal but failed to utilize their chances.
Rilwanu Sarki made it 2-0 with a diving header in the 91st minute to eliminate the record six-time U-20 world champions from the tournament.
The Flying Eagles now await a quarterfinal battle against the winner between Ecuador and South Korea, for a semi final spot.
The match against Nigeria could be regarded as Argentina’s first real test in the tournament they are hosting and they failed.
In the group stage they trashed New Zealand 5-0, dispatched Guatemala 3-0 and defeated Uzbekistan 2-1 to earn maximum nine points with ten goals scored and only one conceded.
Nigeria has only won two silver medals at the FIFA U-20 World Cup with the latest being in the Netherlands in 2005 where they lost 2-1 to a Messi-led Argentina in the final.
Round of 16 Results and Fixtures
TUESDAY MAY 30
USA 4 New Zealand 0
Uzbekistan 0 Israel 1
WEDNESDAY MAY 31
Brazil 4 Tunisia 1
Colombia 5 Slovakia 1
Argentina 0 Nigeria 2
England 1 Italy 2
THURSDAY JUNE 1
Gambia Vs Uruguay
Ecuador Vs South Korea
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