U20 World Cup: Nigeria Face Argentina As Other African Sides Learn Their Fate

‎African teams have discovered their opponents as the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile moves into the Round of 16.

‎Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will take on Argentina is in a highly anticipated clash for a place in the quarter-finals. The Nigerians secured their knockout spot after a tense 1-1 draw with Colombia in their final Group F match in Talca.

‎That result was enough for them to advance as one of the best third-placed teams in the tournament.

‎Having secured a hard-fought 3-2 win over Saudi Arabia in their second match, Aliyu Zubairu’s boys needed a point against the South Americans to scale through.

‎After a goalless first half at the Estadio Fiscal, Colombia broke the deadlock in the 51st minute when Kener Gonzalez’s strike beat Nigerian goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt.

‎Nigeria responded with intensity, striking the woodwork three times as they pushed for an equaliser.

‎Colombian goalkeeper Jordan Garcia also impressed, pulling off several key saves to preserve his side’s lead.

‎Just when the Flying Eagles looked destined for defeat, their persistence was rewarded late in the games.

‎Referee Nazmi Nasaruddin pointed to the spot after VAR confirmed Elkin Rivero had handled a goal-bound effort from Tahir Maigana, giving Nigeria a lifeline.

‎Captain Daniel Bameyi converted the ensuing kick after sending Garcia the wrong way. Thanks to the result, the Flying Eagles booked a place in the knockout phase.

‎“It wasn’t easy but we stood our ground and were proactive. We knew they were physically strong and good on the ball, so we tried to deny them passing lanes, and that gave us a little edge.

‎”All we wanted was to qualify for the next round and we are not worried about who we have to face,” said coach Aliyu Zubairu.

‎Nigeria will now face a huge hurdle when they come across the six-time U20 World Cup winners who finished as Group D winners with three wins to their credit.

‎The fixture holds on Wednesday evening at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos, Santiago with the winners facing either hosts Chile or Mexico in the quarter-final.

‎Elsewhere, reigning U20 African champions South Africa must negotiate their way past Colombia at the Estadio Fiscal, Talca to guarantee their place in the last eight.

‎High-flying Morocco, winners of Group C, will face Asian giants South Korea in the Round of 16 clash at Estadio El Teniente in Rancagua.

‎The North Africans have impressed with their dominant displays so far and will look to continue their fine form against the Koreans.

‎Meanwhile, Africa’s fourth representative, Egypt, bowed out of the tournament despite defeating hosts Chile in their final group game.

‎Ghana remains the only African nation to have lifted the U20 World Cup trophy, famously beating Brazil on penalties in the 2009 final on home soil.