Fifa U20 World Cup: Argentina coach reveals what has impressed him about Flying Eagles

Nigeria's Flying Eagles are set to take on the most successful team in Fifa U20 World Cup history, Argentina, on Wednesday at 20:30 hours at the Julio Martinez Pradanos National Stadium, with both sides aiming to secure a place in the quarterfinals.

Los Cebollitas have emerged as one of the tournament favourites, topping Group D with three wins and entering the knockout stage with confidence.

The seven-time African champions booked their round of 16 spot after finishing as the second-best third-placed team, setting up a high-stakes clash with the South Americans.

Nigeria U20 coach Aliyu Zubairu will be without his ideal starting lineup, with AS Trencin winger Sani Suleiman sidelined due to accumulated bookings in the group stage.

Argentina U20 coach Diego Placente has singled out the Flying Eagles as a serious threat on the counterattack, while also outlining how his side intends to approach the encounter.

Speaking to TyC Sports on the eve of the match, Placente said: "Playing the same way, knowing that they are very dangerous on the counterattack.

"Sometimes when you analyse, you are a little disorganised, but when a team is very long, it has its good and bad sides.

"You have more possession there, but every time you lose it, you suffer a lot more."

The clash also carries added intrigue as it is a rematch of the 2023 Fifa U20 World Cup round of 16, where the Flying Eagles eliminated a talented Argentina side coached by the legendary Javier Mascherano.

Should Nigeria advance to the quarterfinals, they would face Mexico, who demolished hosts Chile in their round of 16 fixture.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com