Nigeria’s Flying Eagles and Argentina will face off in the round of 16 of the FIFA U-20 World Cup on Wednesday, with the aim of advancing into the quarter-final.
Argentina finished as Group A winners with an unblemished record of nine points from three matches while the Flying Eagles finished third in Group D and qualified for the knockout phase as one of the best losers after amassing six points from three games.
Wednesday’s encounter is also a tactical battle between Nigeria’s Ladan Bosso and former Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano who is at the helm of Argentina U20 squad.
Key Players
Alejo Veliz (Argentina) – The 19-year-old striker is a threat to the Flying Eagles’ defence having shown his goalscoring instinct in Argentina’s games so far.
Veliz has scored in each of Argentina’s last three matches in the competition.
Maximmo Perrone (Argentina) – The Manchester City youngster is notable for his commanding presence in the midfield and it has reflected with his contributions.
Perrone boasts of two assists and a goal for Javier Mascherano’s team.
Abel Ogwuche (Nigeria) – Nigeria have unfortunately managed just a clean sheet in Argentina, but Ogwuche’s fascinating leadership and unrelenting presence in the defence might shield Ladan Bosso’s side from conceding more goals in San Juan.
Head-to-Head
Argentina and Nigeria have only met once in the FIFA U20 World Cup, with their last and only fixture dating back to the 2005 U20 World Cup final in the Netherlands.
Lionel Messi was the hero of the game as the South Americans defeated the Flying Eagles 2-1.
Tournament Record
Argentina are the most successful team in the U20 World Cup history with a record of six titles. They emerged champions in 1979, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2005 and 2007 while Nigeria have made it to the final twice without lifting the trophy.
The West Africans finished as runners-up in 1989 and 2005.
When is the match and how to watch
The round of 16 match between Argentina U20 and Nigeria U20 will take at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario in San Juan on Wednesday night by 10 pm (West African Time).
You can watch the game LIVE on the go for free FIFA plus from 9.45 pm (West African Time) and you can also follow our Live Commentary on Afrosport’s Facebook and Twitter platforms.
