The Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are through to the quarterfinal stage of the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup after an impressive 2-0 victory over the host nation, Argentina Thursday night.
Second-half goals from Ibrahim Muhammad and Haliru Sarki saw the Flying Eagles cruising into the last eight in style at the expense of Argentina at the San Juan stadium.
The Coach Ladan Bosso’s side will now face Ecuador or Korea Republic in the quarter-final.
Also read: Europa league final: Mourinho’s AS Roma in battle royale against Sevilla
The Flying Eagles came into Thursday’s Round of 16 tie as underdogs having finished third in the group stage.
This is in contrast with the Argentines who were group winners with a hundred per cent record from their earlier games.
The game at the Suan Juan stadium took place in a thrilling atmosphere with the home crowd cheering their teams on.
With no room for errors, both teams displayed their determination to advance in the tournament right from the blast of the whistle.
Despite flashes of brilliance and nervy moments at both ends, the first half ended with a deadlock as neither team managed to find the back of the net.
The Flying Eagles defence held firm against the pressure from the Argentinian attack. The Nigerian team showcased their own attacking prowess, mounting pressure on the host country.
As the second half began, Nigeria came out with renewed energy and quickly made an impact. In the 60th minute, Ibrahim Muhammad broke the deadlock by receiving a well-executed through ball and firing it past the Argentinian goalkeeper, Gomes.
The Nigerian fans erupted in celebration as the Flying Eagles took the lead.
Falconets book final spot with Ghana
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Falconets defeated Benin Republic 3-0 to reach the final of the maiden U-20 WAFU tournament in Ghana.
In the second semi-final on Wednesday, a brace from Esther Onyenezide and solitary strike from Amina Bello saw the Falconets record their fourth straight win of the tournament.
The Falconets will now face hosts Ghana in the final to determine the winner of the inaugural tournament.
Bello opened the scoring in the 23rd minute before Onyenezide made it 2-0 on 34 minutes from the penalty spot.
In the 62nd minute Onyenezide bagged her second goal to make it 3-0 in favour of the Falconets.
In the first semi-final on Wednesday Ghana came from a goal down to beat Burkina Faso 3-1.
