U-20 World Cup: Nigeria knocked out by South Korea

A goal in the first half of extra-time was enough for South Korea to defeat Nigeria in the quater-final of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina.

Nigeria will rue their failure to convert their dominance to goals as South Korea courtesy of a Choi Seok-Hyun header won 1-0 to reach the semi-final of the 2023 U-20 World Cup.

Jude Sunday attempted an audacious back flip in the 5th minute for the first attempt of the game.

Nigeria then pressured the South Koreans into retreat at the Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades. Despite their dominance, the Eagles failed to create any clear cut scoring opportunities.

AC Milan U-19 midfielder Victor Eletu produced two two shots on goal, while Salim Fago, Solomon Agbalaka and Daniel Daga all shot off-target as it finished 0-0 at the break.

In the second half, Flying Eagles skipper Daniel Bameyi shot directly at the South Korean goalie after being set-up by Salim Fago just outside the area.

Again, it was Nigeria who dominated but a combination of indecision and poor decisions in the final third ensured it stayed level until the expiration of regulation time.

In the 6th minute of extra-time, South Korea stunned Nigeria when Choi Seok-Hyun headed home a Lee-Seung-Won corner-kick.

Just like they did all through regulation time, South Korea defended effectively to keep the Eagles at bay

Nigeria’s Emmanuel Umeh fired over the crossbar when played through on goal by Joshua John as Nigeria toiled in vain search for an equalizer.

In the end. it finished South Korea 0-1 Nigeria.

South Korea will now proceed to the semi-final where they will face Italy.