The Flying Eagles of Nigeria are through to the knockout phase of the U-20 World Cup on the backdrop of doubts over their abilities to do so after being paired in a tough group.
Ladan Bosso’s boys were paired in Group D alongside Brazil, Italy and debutants Dominican Republic. Going up against the former two was seen as a difficulty but the Eagles did exceptionally well against the Italians to win 2-0 while seeing off the Dominicans 2-1 in their opener and losing 2-0 to the Brazilians.
Six points from three games was therefore a fantastic outcome from Nigeria but they have a much bigger fish to fry when they take on tournament hosts Argentina in the Round of 16 at Estadio San Juan on Wednesday.
???? The journey to the #U20WC final!
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) May 30, 2023
The Albiceleste hardly need any introduction as they have a long history of facing Nigeria at the World Cup, particularly at senior level on six occasions (1994, 2002, 2010, 2014, 2018) but none have ended in victory for the West African giants.
At U-17 level, the Golden Eaglets have three victories out of four meetings against the Argentines while at U-20 level, the most notable meeting was in the final of the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship in the Netherlands, losing 2-1 with a then-18-year-old Lionel Messi making headlines as the best player in the tournament. Some of the Nigerians in the team that year such as Mikel John Obi, Taye Taiwo, Chinedu Obasi and Onyekachi Apam went on to achieve success for the Super Eagles and at club level.
This is therefore another opportunity for the current crop of U-20 Nigerian players to make history for themselves and shape their destinies. However, it isn’t going to come easy as the Argentines have everything going their way.
Recap????
How the ????????Flying Eagles???? fared in the group stage of the @FIFAcom #U20WC.
Argentina is up next!#SoarFlyingEagles pic.twitter.com/GAZCi6tpXS
— The NFF ???????? (@thenff) May 29, 2023
The South American giants are the most successful side in the history of the U-20 World Cup with six titles. They have also used their position as tournament hosts to their advantage, breezing past Uzbekistan, New Zealand and Guatemala to finish top of Group A with a maximum nine points. They scored 10 goals, the joint second-highest and conceded just one goal, the second least of any team in the group phase.
It might be argued that Argentina faced relatively easy opposition but that does not take away that they have been the best team at this U-20 World Cup along with the United States finishing with a 100% record in the group phase as well.
Facing the most in-form team in the tournament is therefore something the Flying Eagles would not have wished for so early in the knockout phase but that is their reality and they will have to deal with it.
Players and officials of the ????????Flying Eagles have finally settled in at San Juan, venue of the RD 1️⃣6️⃣ game with ????????Argentina.
The team was to depart Buenos Aires for San Juan by 9am Monday morning but the flight was delayed until 6pm.
No explanation was given for the delay pic.twitter.com/yhvEzlTApN
— The NFF ???????? (@thenff) May 30, 2023
Doing that will come with a lot of grit, determination and fighting spirit. The attitude and mentality must be right. The Eagles need to show hunger like they are really keen to go for glory. Treat the game in San Juan like it is the most important game of their lives.
There also needs to be high level of tactical discipline and awareness. Nigeria must not make needless challenges or mistakes. Argentina will be looking to take advantage of such opportunities and it could be costly for Bosso’s boys.
Nigeria need to take their chances when presented. They have shown profligacy in front of goal against the Dominicans and Brazilians. It was also on full display during the 2023 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt where they claimed the bronze medal. They can potentially be punished against the Argentines if the South Americans dominate the game.
Above all, the Flying Eagles need to make Nigerian fans at home and across the world proud. Getting a win over Argentina would mean everything to the fans for bragging rights. High expectations are placed on the players to deliver because Nigeria has played to high standards in time past with excellence and brilliance.
Wednesday’s clash in San Juan should be no different even if the odds are stacked against them.
