Sport

U-20 WC: Flying Eagles Defeats Angentina To Reach Cup Quarter Final After 12 Years

From the very beginning of the game, Bosso’s team proved their commitment to fulfilling their promise, and they unquestionably lived up to it. They shattered a 12-year record of not reaching the quarterfinals, making a remarkable achievement.

Sending shockwaves through the FIFA U20 World Cup, Nigeria produced a stunning 2-0 victory over host nation Argentina in the Round of 16.

Ibrahim Muhammad and Rilwanu Haliru Sarki found the back of the net, dashing the dreams of the six-time champions and leaving the Albiceleste Sub-20 in a state of disbelief.

In an electric atmosphere in western Argentina, the Flying Eagles showcased exceptional defensive organization and lethal counter-attacking football.

Head Coach Ladan Bosso had vowed that his team would give their all, and they certainly delivered on that promise right from the opening minutes of the game.

Muhammad nearly opened the scoring with a powerful shot from the edge of the box in the 9th minute, setting the tone for a spirited Nigerian performance.

The Argentinians had their opportunities as well, including a threatening header in the 39th minute, but it was Nigeria who emerged with renewed energy in the second half.

Goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso made a crucial save from Barco’s attempt in the 51st minute, while Jude Sunday’s shot was stopped by the Argentine goalkeeper.

Nigeria’s dominance became evident when Nnadi struck the underside of the crossbar with a well-placed long-range shot in the 58th minute.

Finally, the breakthrough arrived just three minutes later when Aniagboso’s long ball found Umeh, who intelligently played it through to Muhammad.

The Nigerian forward outpaced the defenders and calmly placed the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper, giving Nigeria the lead.

Umeh had a chance to extend the lead shortly after, but his shot missed the target. Argentina attempted to mount a response, with Carboni’s shot saved by Aniagboso and his subsequent header going wide.

Umeh continued to be a threat but was once again denied by the goalkeeper on another occasion.

The tension intensified when Romero’s deceptive shot struck the post in the 83rd minute, and Ogwuche made a goal-line clearance to deny Argentina a golden opportunity in the 85th minute.

As the Argentine team pushed forward desperately in search of an equalizer, they exposed themselves at the back. AC Milan’s Victor Eletu demonstrated strength and determination as he controlled another long ball from Aniagboso and delivered a perfect cross to Sarki, who executed a precise header into the net during added time.

This victory provided some redemption for Nigeria, following their defeat to Argentina in the final of the 2005 edition of the tournament, where Lionel Messi’s penalty brace denied them the title.

The Flying Eagles’ triumph propels them into the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the Round of 16 clash between Ecuador and South Korea.

Undoubtedly, this remarkable victory against the host nation will serve as a significant confidence boost for Nigeria as they continue their pursuit of World Cup glory.

Umeh continued to be a threat but was once again denied by the goalkeeper on another occasion.

The tension intensified when Romero’s deceptive shot struck the post in the 83rd minute, and Ogwuche made a goal-line clearance to deny Argentina a golden opportunity in the 85th minute.

As the Argentine team pushed forward desperately in search of an equalizer, they exposed themselves at the back. AC Milan’s Victor Eletu demonstrated strength and determination as he controlled another long ball from Aniagboso and delivered a perfect cross to Sarki, who executed a precise header into the net during added time.

This victory provided some redemption for Nigeria, following their defeat to Argentina in the final of the 2005 edition of the tournament, where Lionel Messi’s penalty brace denied them the title.

The Flying Eagles’ triumph propels them into the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the Round of 16 clash between Ecuador and South Korea.

Undoubtedly, this remarkable victory against the host nation will serve as a significant confidence boost for Nigeria as they continue their pursuit of World Cup glory.