By Akinwale Kasali
Against all odds, the Coach Ladan Bosso-led Flying Eagles has sprung a surprise to many of its critics and defeated host, Argentina, 2-0 in the Round of 16 Tie in San Juan International Stadium at the ongoing FIFA Under-20 World Cup.
Two second half goals from Ibrahim Muhammad and Haliru Sarki were all the Flying Eagles needed to secure a Quarter Final ticket.
The odds favoured Argentina who had a100 per cent record at the Group stage, defeating Uzbekistan, Guatemala and New Zealand.
The Argentines dominated the entire match forcing the Flying Eagles to be defensive depending on a counter attack to get at the Coach Javier Mascherano led Argentine squad.
The six time champions were denied by the defensive quartet of Fredericks, Agbalaka, Ogwuche and Bameyi, who were outstanding in the defense line to deny the Argentine the much needed goal.
Not many people gave Ladan Bosso’s team a chance, but they put up a stellar defensive performance to beat the six-time winners.
With this victory, Nigeria will face the winner of Ecuador and South Korea in the quarterfinals.
Both teams will trade tackles on Thursday, June 1st, 2023, with the winner facing the West African side for a place in the Semi Finals.
Coach Bosso started the game with Kingsley Chijioke Aniagboso in goal, Solomon Agbalaka, Abel Ogwuche, Benjamin Fredericks and Daniel Bameyi were at the heart of the Flying Eagles defense.
Tochukwu Nadi, Daniel Daga and Samson Lawal piloted the misfiled with Sunday Jude, Salim Fago Lawal and Ibrahim Beji Muhammad were upfront.
In the other knockout matches, Colombia got the better of Slovakia in their crunch second round game to make a big statement as the competition progresses.
Cortes opened scoring in the 4th minute of second half after a chaotic first half show with Slovakia. The Colombian put the Americans in front to usher in another goal two minutes later, from Asprilla’s 51st minute effort.
Angel made it a glorious brace in the 53rd and 64th minute to finally nailed Slovakia to gain a broad passage to the quarter finals. Jambor’s consolation in the 88th minute was looking like the end of it but Cortes scored his second goal of the night to make it an embarrassing 5-1 loss for Slovakia.
In another venue, Brazil’s Marcos Leonardo gave the South Americans an early goal in the 12th minute against African side, Tunisia, to open an entertaining game on the night. Santos Sealed the interval for Brazil to make it 2-0 in the first 45 minute.
Although Renan was sent off at the stroke of halftime to reduce Brazil to 10 men, the South Americans still continue to maintain their position ahead of Tunisia.
Brazil sealed their emphatic win with a stoppage goal from Martins to make it 3-0. In the 11th minute of added Santos got Brazil’s 4th goal but 2 minutes after Tunisia’s Gherbal scored the consolation goal to make it 4-1. Brazil claimed the forth ticket to the quarter finals. Brazil will face Israel in the quarter final game while Colombia will play either Italy in the quarterfinals.
The Italians defeated England 2-1 to seal a place on the quarter finals.
