FIFA U20 World Cup: Nigeria to battle hosts Argentina for quarterfinal slot

The Flying Eagles are set to face hosts Argentina, after finishing third in Group D on goal difference behind Brazil and Italy.

Argentina, who won all three group matches now stands between Nigeria and a place in the quarterfinal of this year’s tournament.

Javier Mascherano-led team have scored a total of ten goals while conceding just once.

Nigeria, on the other hand, won two of their three group matches scoring four goals and conceded three to finish as the best loser from the group.

The two-times FIFA U20 World Cup finalists, Nigeria were group D table toppers before the kick-off of the final group game following their victories in their first two matches to qualify for the knock-out stages but their 2-0 loss to Brazil and Italy 3-0 victory over the Dominican Republic on Saturday pushed the African country to third on the log.

The last time the two sides met was at the final of the 2005 edition where Lionel Messi’s penalty brace secure a 2-1 win for Argentina.

The knockout game will be played on Wednesday at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario by 10 pm Nigeria time.