Nigeria defeat Argentina, Brazil reach last-8

Nigeria defeated Argentina 2-0 in their Round of 16 clash at the San Juan del Bicentenario to reach the last-8 of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

A poor first half performance saw Tunisia eliminated from the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina following a 4-1 defeat to Brazil in the Round of 16.

Flying Eagles of Nigeria forward Ibrahim Muhammad fired in a left footed shot off a through ball by Emmanuel Umeh in the 61st minute to stun tournament hosts Argentina on Wednesday May 31 before Haliru Sarki added a second in stoppage time.

It was Argentina who dominated the opening exchanges with Brian Aguirre, Luka Romero, Valentin Carboni, Alejo Véliz and  Federico Redondo all threatening the Nigerian goal as the U-20 Eagles were pressed in their half.

An improved second half performance by Ladan Bosso tutored Flying Eagles saw Jude Sunday and skipper Daniel Bameyi test Argentina goalkeeper Federico Gerth before Ibrahim Muhammad struck the opening goal.

First half goals from Marcos Leonardo and Andrey Santos gave Brazil a halftime advantage before Matheus Martins and a second goal from Santos completed the scoring for Brazil in second half stoppage time.

Tunisia, who found a late consolation through Mahmoud Ghorbel, end their participation with the country’s best ever finish at a FIFA U-20 World Cup after previous first round exits at the 1977 and 1985 editions.

Brazil, victorious against Nigeria in their final group stage match on Saturday, are continuing to grow in confidence and quickly took the offensive against their opponents from North Africa.