U20 World Cup: Nigeria, Argentina set for explosive round of 16 clash
Nigeria and Argentina are set to renew their rivalry when they clash in a highly anticipated Round of 16 encounter at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile on Wednesday.
Both nations boast a rich history of memorable contests across global tournaments, from the FIFA World Cup to the U20 World Cup and the Olympic Games, but memories of Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Argentina in the Round of 16 at the last edition, hosted by the South Americans two years ago, remain fresh.
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Goals from Ibrahim Muhammad and Haliru Sarki sealed that famous win, defying predictions and propelling the Flying Eagles into the quarter-finals, where they eventually bowed out to the Republic of Korea after extra time.
Two decades earlier, the Flying Eagles came close to glory, losing 1-2 to Argentina in the 2005 U20 World Cup Final in the Netherlands, both Argentine goals scored from the spot by Lionel Messi, while Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi netted Nigeria’s consolation.
Argentina remain the tournament’s most successful team with six titles, while Nigeria have finished as runners-up twice (1989 and 2005) and third once (1985). However, the seven-time African champions will head into Wednesday’s clash at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago with no sense of inferiority.
Coach Aliyu Zubair’s men have shown strong self-belief, discipline, and resilience throughout the group stage, collecting four points against Saudi Arabia and Colombia.
The Flying Eagles impressed in their draw against the Colombians, striking the bar three times before captain Daniel Bameyi calmly converted a late penalty to secure a vital point.
