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Argentina 0-2 Nigeria: Flying Eagles bundle out FIFA U20 World Cup hosts in style
By Wale Mustapha
Nigeria U20 men’s team sent hosts, Argentina out of the FIFA U20 World Cup on Wednesday night with a deserving 2-0 win avenging for their 2005 loss.
Ladan Bosso led boys scored the two goals in the second half in knockout stage of the competition played at the San Juan Municipal Stadium.
Ibrahim Muhammad and Haliru Sarki got the goals for the resolute Nigerian side who looked better and composed in all departments against one of the tournament favorites.
Nigeria started the game on a promising note as Sunday Just produced a quality cross into the box but was cleared to corner before reaching Salim Fargo.
Ibrahim Muhammad had the best chance for the Flying Eagles in the 10th minute as he effort went off target by whisker.
Argentina would soon settled into the game with few minutes before the half hour with Federico Redondo Solari rose higher to connect with a delivery but headed it straight at Aniagboso.
Alejo Veliz could have also get a goal for the hosts in the 39th minutes but headed over a cross from Carboni.
Aniagboso guessed right in the added time of first half to rescue situation for Nigeria denying Veliz again as both teams headed to the dugout all square.
Coach Bosso ringed his attack in the second half with Ume Emmanuel replacing Salim Fargo and that added more bites for the Flying Eagles.
It didn’t take much time before it paid for Nigeria as they had themselves in front.
Ibrahim Muhammad ran through a good pass from Emmanuel before beating the keeper for the opening goal.
Emanuel could have make it 2-0 for Nigeria with left foot efort but went inches off target.
Valentin Carboni drew a palm save from Chijioke Aniagboso as host went in search of quick equalizer. The Argentina forward skied another effort.
The Albicelestes were all over Nigeria in the closing minutes as another of their efforts at goal went begging as Romero saw his curling effort hit the leg of the post.
Nigeria defender Abel Ogwuche made an heroic defending to block a goal-bound effort from Romero.
With the host nation inching for a comeback, Nigeria put the game beyond them as two substitutes, Victor Eletu and Haliru Sarki combined well to score the second goal for the Flying Eagles.
However, the latter who headed into an empty net after Eletu had outwit his marker before locating his teammate to head home.
The victory served as a revenge for Nigeria who has always being preys to Argentina in all cadres of the World Cups.
The Flying Eagles are set to take on the winner between Ecuador and South Korea who will be slugging it out on Thursday.
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