Nigeria 0-1 South Korea: Taegeuk Warriors end Flying Eagles’ U20 World Cup fairytale run

By Wale Mustapha

Nigeria’s U20 men team had their fairy tale at the FIFA U20 World Cup ended by an extra time 1-0 loss to South Korea in the quarterfinal at Santiago del Estero on Sunday.

The West Africans came into the quarterfinal on the back of a Round of 16 triumph over hosts Argentina, while the South Koreans eliminated Ecuador to set up a last eight showdown with the Nigerians in the competition.

The Flying Eagles controlled most part of the match with number of chances created but were short of the needed initiative to break the resolute Koreans who will be playing in the semi for the second consecutive edition.

Expectations were high on the Flying Eagles after their superlative display to eliminate hosts, Argentina and they came out with same purpose against the Koreans but couldn’t find the final punch to get past they opponents.

The regular time ended goalless with the Koreans looked comfortable with how they executed the proceedings.

Just five minutes into the extra time, the Asian champions scored what would then be decisive goal of the match as substitute Sun Choi met a corner kick with a glancing header, leaving Nigeria goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso in no man’s land.

Emmanuel Umeh went close to score the equalizer for Nigeria with less than a minute to see the game but had his blazing effort struck the side of the net.

The team will then be returning to Nigeria on Tuesday.