U-20 World Cup: Nigeria defeat Argentina in Round of 16 clash to reach last-8
Nigeria defeated Argentina 2-0 in their Round of 16 clash at the San Juan del Bicentenario to reach the last-8 of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Flying Eagles of Nigeria forward Ibrahim Muhammad fired in a left footed shot off a through ball by Emmanuel Umeh in the 61st minute to stun tournament hosts Argentina on Wednesday May 31 before Haliru Sarki added a second in stoppage time.
It was Argentina who dominated the opening exchanges with Brian Aguirre, Luka Romero, Valentin Carboni, Alejo Véliz and Federico Redondo all threatening the Nigerian goal as the U-20 Eagles were pressed in their half.
An improved second half performance by Ladan Bosso tutored Flying Eagles saw Jude Sunday and skipper Daniel Bameyi test Argentina goalkeeper Federico Gerth before Ibrahim Muhammad struck the opening goal.
The energetic forward was played through by a through ball from substitute Emmanuel Umeh, his left footed shot beat the on-rushing Argentina goalkeeper to hand Nigeria the lead.
The goal sparked pressure from the 2023 U-20 World Cup hosts.
Argentina coach Javier Mascherano and the home fans inside the San Juan del Bicentenario washed in agony as chance after chance went begging.
Valentino Carboni, Alejo Veliz, Luka Romero and Ignacio Maestro Puch all came close to equalizing for Argentina but Nigeria held on.
With 8-minutes added on Victor Eletu crossed for Haliru Sarki to head home the second to seal a 2-0 win over Argentina and reach the quater-final of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Heartbreak for Argentina and sweet revenge for Nigeria from memories of the 2-1 loss to Argentina in the 2005 U-20 World Cup final.
