The Nigerian Flying Eagles have landed in Santiago, gearing up for their Round of 16 showdown against tournament favourites Argentina at the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup, according to Soccernet.ng.
After concluding their group matches in Talca, the Nigerian squad arrived in Chile’s bustling capital on Tuesday afternoon, ready to face a formidable opponent.
During their time in Talca, the Flying Eagles secured their place in the knockout phase by finishing as one of the best third-placed teams, with a record of one victory, one draw, and one defeat.
Under the guidance of Aliyu Zubairu, the team demonstrated determination and resilience in Group F. After a narrow 1-0 loss to Norway, they bounced back with an exhilarating 3-2 triumph over Saudi Arabia and then held Colombia to a 1-1 stalemate. These results paved their way to the Round of 16, where they will face the hosts from the 2023 tournament once again.
Argentina dominated Group D, topping the table with commanding wins against Cuba (3-1), Australia (4-1), and Italy (1-0). As the two teams prepare to clash at the iconic Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago on Wednesday, Argentina enters as the clear favourite.
Stay Updated with the Latest Sports News – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Today!
Flying Eagles vs Argentina: Revisiting the 2023 Encounter
This upcoming match rekindles memories of the Flying Eagles’ previous Round of 16 encounter with Argentina at the FIFA U20 World Cup two years ago.
Back then, Argentina, as hosts, were heavily favoured to secure a straightforward victory at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario in San Juan.
Defying expectations, the Flying Eagles, coached by Ladan Bosso at the time, surged ahead with second-half goals from Ibrahim Beji Muhammad and Rilwanu Sarki, clinching a memorable 2-0 win.
Whether history will repeat itself remains uncertain, but coach Zubairu is confident his squad is prepared to face the challenge with unwavering spirit.
“Each match presents a fresh test, and we approach it with focus, discipline, and unity,” Zubairu stated after securing qualification. “We hold Argentina in high regard, but this is a hurdle we intend to overcome.”
The seven-time African champions will conduct their training session at the match venue on Tuesday evening, closely monitored by the technical staff.
Italian referee Maurizio Mariani has been appointed to oversee what is expected to be one of the tournament’s most fiercely contested matches.
For Nigeria, this encounter is an opportunity to reaffirm their strength against top-tier competition. For Argentina, it represents a chance for redemption and to assert dominance on home turf.
0 Comments