Nigeria advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup after defeating host Argentina 2-0 in their Round of 16 match at the San Juan del Bicentenario.
On Wednesday, May 31, the Flying Eagles of Nigeria’s Ibrahim Muhammad stunned tournament hosts Argentina with a left-footed strike in the 61st minute, and Haliru Sarki scored a second in stoppage time.
Argentina controlled the first exchanges, pressing the U-20 Eagles in their own half while Brian Aguirre, Luka Romero, Valentin Carboni, Alejo Véliz, and Federico Redondo all threatened the Nigerian goal.
Before Ibrahim Muhammad scored the opening goal for the Ladan Bosso-coached Flying Eagles, Jude Sunday and captain Daniel Bameyi tested Argentina custodian Federico Gerth in the second half.
A through pass from replacement Emmanuel Umeh allowed the quick forward to sneak through, and his left-footed drive past the advancing Argentina custodian gave Nigeria the lead.
The 2023 U-20 World Cup hosts came under fire as a result of the goal.
Coach Javier Mascherano of Argentina and the home supporters in the San Juan del Bicentenario were in misery as opportunity after opportunity went begging.
Argentina’s attempts to tie the score through Valentino Carboni, Alejo Veliz, Luka Romero, and Ignacio Maestro Puch all fell short as Nigeria prevailed.
Victor Eletu crossed the ball with 8 minutes remaining, and Haliru Sarki headed in the second goal to secure a 2-0 victory over Argentina and advance to the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup quarterfinals.
Argentina’s heartbreak and Nigeria’s sweet vengeance stem from memories of Argentina’s 2-1 defeat in the 2005 U-20 World Cup final.
