Nigeria stunned Argentina last night to reach the quarter-finals stage in the FIFA U20 World Cup.
The Nigerian side’s triumph has ignited the hopes of fans across the country currently in tumult over the fuel subsidy removal that’s threatening to disrupt the smooth takeoff of Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
The match between the Flying Eagles and the host La Albiceleste was one of the most thrilling games of the tournament. The two teams had a long history of playing against each other in various international competitions, and at this level the two sides met in the final of the 2005 edition.
In that momentous final, the Argentine side, led by the legendary Lionel Messi, emerged triumphant with a 2-1 victory over the Flying Eagles.
That win earned Argentina’s fifth title in the tournament’s history, showcasing their pedigree in youth football.
Argentina’s U20 team has established a storied legacy at the FIFA U20 World Cup with an astounding six titles, won in 1979, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2005, and 2007, they stand as the most successful nation in the tournament’s history.
Their ability to produce exceptional young talents has been a hallmark of their success, and they enter this match with a rich history and high expectations.
On paper, Nigeria went into the last night’s match as underdogs, with six-time champions Argentina being one of the tournament favorites, But the Ladan Bosso-tutored Eagles put on a masterclass performance to win the match 2-0.
Nigeria ended a run of 10 straight U-20 World Cup victories for Argentina in Argentina. La Albiceleste had won all seven games when they hosted the tournament in 2001, and their first three at this edition. Many Nigerians will be doubly excited with the result having lost to the South Americans at FIFA tournaments on several occasions. It banishes the sour taste of defeat at three senior World Cups and at the final of the Beijing Olympics football tournament. What makes it even more enjoyable is that it happened right at Argentina’s backyard at the San Juan Stadium.
The Flying Eagles secured a third-place finish in Group D, while the hosts Argentina emerged victorious in all their games.
Last night’s encounter was a battle of skill, determination, and youthful exuberance.
In the group stages, the Flying Eagles showcased their potential by securing wins over the Dominican Republic and Italy before suffering defeat to Brazil, amassing an impressive six points from their encounters.
Against Argentina, they were at their swashbuckling best.
The Argentines, who displayed dominance throughout the group stage, netting ten goals and conceding only one, could not replicate the efficiency that saw them mauled and outclassed Uzbekistan, Guatemala, and New Zealand. The Eagles are simply in a different class.
The Eagles were vigilant throughout and employed astute defensive strategies to contain the talented Argentine players Alejo Véliz and Luka Romero who were the standout performers for the South Americans.
Second-half goals from Ibrahim Muhammad and Rilwanu Haliru Sarki were all the Nigerian lads needed to eliminate the host nation.
The Flying Eagles started brightly, but as the first half wore on La Albiceleste began to dominate. Veliz had two semi-sniffs at goal as the break approached, heading one narrowly over and flicking the other into the arms of Kingsley Aniagboso. Nigeria made the breakthrough just after the hour. Emmanuel Umeh flicked the ball over the top for Muhammad, who stabbed it past goalkeeper Federico Gomes Girth. Argentina, propelled by the impressive Federico Redondo, piled on the pressure in search of a leveller – and came agonisingly close when Luka Romero’s low drive struck the inside of the post – but Haliru Sarki’s late header secured a famous triumph for Nigeria.
Among the Eagles standout players in the night is the 16-year-old midfield marvel Daniel Daga, who was brilliant at the middle of the pack, neutralizing the zesty Argentines. Abel Ogwuche’s defensive nous was equally praiseworthy
Reflecting on the team’s remarkable performance, Flying Eagles head coach Ladan Bosso said the meticulous execution of the team’s game plan was the key to their success.
His words: “We stuck to our game plan, and we got it right.” The players’ discipline and commitment to the strategy devised by the coaching staff paid off handsomely, resulting in the convincing victory.
Bosso emphasized the expected nature of the team’s recent accomplishments, drawing parallels with their previous triumph over Egypt: “For me, with the results we have seen so far, these are all expected ends.” This unwavering belief in their capabilities fuels the Flying Eagles’ drive for further achievements on the grand stage.
In anticipation of the quarterfinals, Bosso outlined the team’s unwavering approach, stressing the importance of giving their all: “The next plan is to go all out. Losing in the quarterfinals is the same thing as not qualifying. So the way we approached this game, we’d approach the quarterfinal.”
Nigeria will now face the winner of the Ecuador-Korea Republic Round of 16 match in the quarter-finals in Santiago del Estero on Sunday.
