U20WC: Nigeria to face familiar foes Argentina in Round of 16

Nigeria’s  Flying Eagles will face rivals and hosts Argentina in the Round of 16 at the ongoing 2023 U-20 World Cup in an encounter on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.

Ladan Bosso’s team finished as one of the third-best-placed teams after earning six points from three Group D games. They beat the Dominican Republic 2-1, and humbled Italy in their second match before bowing to heavyweights Brazil 2-0.

Argentina, on the other hand, won all three games, bulldozing Uzbekistan, Guatemala, and New Zealand in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.

Argentina are tournament favourites and the most successful team in the competition having clinched six titles. Led by Lionel Messi, the South Americans defeated Nigeria 2-1 to win the age-grade trophy in 2005.

The South Americans scored ten goals and let in just one to top the Group A standings. They defeated Uzbekistan 2-1, and beat Guatemala 3-0, before dismantling New Zealand 5-0.

In the other Round of 16 games, the USA take on New Zealand on Tuesday while Uzbekistan battle Israel on the same day.

On Wednesday, England will file out against Italy’s Little Blues as highflyers the Gambia seek to move into the next round when they clash with South American side Uruguay the next day.

The last match will see Ecuador and Korean Republic facing off.