U-20 World Cup: Nigeria’s Flying Eagles Beat Argentina 2-0 To Reach Quarter-Final [Watch Highlights]

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria have achieved a momentous feat by beating Argentina 2-0 to secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup.

For the first time in 12 years, the Nigerian U-20 football team advanced to the quarter-final with a resounding triumph over the host nation, Argentina, at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario.

During the game in the early hours of Thursday, April 1, 2023, Ladan Bosso’s team exhibited sheer determination, with Ibrahim Muhammad and Rilwanu Sarki delivering crucial goals in the second half.

Their stunning performance guarantees them a thrilling showdown in the quarter-finals, where they will face either Ecuador or South Korea in Santiago del Estero on Sunday for what would be an exhilarating clash.

The Flying Eagles started the match on a positive note, but as the first half progressed, La Albiceleste of Argentina gained control over the game.

Striker Alejo Veliz had two golden opportunities to break the deadlock, but unfortunately failed to convert them into goals. His glancing header in the 14th minute narrowly missed the target, while his second attempt before the break was expertly saved by Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Kingsley Aniagboso.

However, in the 61st minute, the Flying Eagles shattered the impasse through Emmanuel Umeh’s brilliant flick over the top to find Ibrahim Muhammad, who confidently slotted the ball into the net, leaving goalkeeper Federico Gerth helpless.

This breakthrough prompted Argentina to intensify their efforts in search of an equalizer, resulting in a total of 20 shots on goal compared to Nigeria’s nine.

Javier Mascherano’s boys came excruciatingly close to leveling the score when Luka Romero’s powerful low drive from a distance struck the upright of the post, only for Daniel Bameyi to clear the ball to safety.

In the dying minutes of the game, substitute Victor Eletu made an impactful contribution by assisting Haliru Sarki, who sealed Nigeria’s victory with a second goal.

Notably, Nigeria’s triumph on Thursday brought an end to Argentina’s impressive streak of 10 consecutive victories in the U-20 World Cup.

La Albiceleste’s young squad had triumphed in all seven matches when they hosted the tournament in 2001 and had won their first three games in the current edition.

This historic win marks a significant milestone for Nigeria, breaking a long-standing drought since their last success in the competition back in 2005.

Watch the highlights below:

 

KanyiDaily had also reported how Nigeria’s Flying Eagles secured a 2-1 victory against Dominican Republic to kick-start their journey in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Mendoza, Argentina.