FIFA Under-20 World Cup: Flying Eagles Hope Dangles, As It Plays Host, Argentina In Round Of 16 Knockout Phase

By Akinwale Kasali

The hope of the current Flying Eagles Coach by Ladan Bosso hangs in the balance as it prepares to play host, Argentina, in the Round of 16 Knockout Stage.

No doubt, this isn’t the best time to for the Nigerian side to play Argentina which has had a 100 percent win in the Group phase, defeating Uzbekistan 2-1, Guatemala 3-0 and New Zealand 5-0 to record three straight wins and garnering Nine points.

The abysmal performance of the Flying Eagles against Brazil in the last Group C Match plunged the team to a Third Place finish in the Group as one of the best losers.

Brazil topped the Group with Six Points and better goals difference, while the Italians came second behind the Group winner Brazil following their impressive 3-0 win over Dominican Republic.

Nigeria also ended in six Points with fewer hips difference against the two top teams.

The Argentines have a better chance against the populous Black nation following their superlative performance thus far.

After a convincing 2-1 and 2-0 win over Dominican Republic and Italy respectively, the Flying needed just a point to win the Group.

But, two first half goals from Brazil secured the much needed win for their qualification.

Fans of the Flying Eagles are jittery over the chances of the Nigerian team scaling through the Argentine hurdle.

The reason for this is not far fetched, putting into consideration the present form of the host nation and their conversion rate when attacking.

However, the Argentine are familiar foes to the Flying Eagles.

At 2005 FIFA World Cup in the Netherlands, Argentina defeated the then Coach Samson Siasia Flying Eagles 2-1 Courtesy of Lionel Messi’s brace, dashing the Nigeria team hope of winning the coveted title after making the finals twice; at the Saudi Arabia 1989 World Cup and 2005.

Since 2005, the Nigerian side has continually failed to achieve such feat till date.

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.