24th FIFA U20 World Cup Preview: Nigeria, Argentina Set for Santiago Showdown in Last-16 Clash

Posted : 07 October 2025

Nigeria and Argentina are set to light up the global football stage once again as the Round of 16 of the 24th FIFA U20 World Cup finals kicks off in Chile on Wednesday evening.

Both nations share a storied rivalry across various competitions — including the FIFA World Cup, the FIFA U20 World Cup, and the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament.

Their most recent meeting came just two years ago when Nigeria stunned host nation Argentina with a 2–0 victory in the Round of 16 at the U20 World Cup. Ibrahim Muhammad and Haliru Sarki were the heroes on that occasion, silencing the home crowd and defying predictions as the Flying Eagles advanced to the quarter-finals, where they narrowly lost to South Korea in extra time.

Nearly two decades earlier, in 2005, the Flying Eagles fell just short in the U20 World Cup Final in the Netherlands, losing 2–1 to Argentina. Both Argentine goals came from Lionel Messi’s penalty kicks, while Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi scored a superb consolation goal for Nigeria.

Argentina remain the most successful team in U20 World Cup history with six titles, while Nigeria have finished as runners-up twice (in 1989 and 2005) and third once (in 1985). Despite Argentina’s record, the seven-time African champions will step onto the pitch at Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago with confidence, pride, and belief in their ability to win.

Coach Aliyu Zubair’s side showed determination and resilience in the group stage, collecting four points against Saudi Arabia and Colombia. The Flying Eagles impressed particularly against Colombia, a side many expected to dominate. Nigeria hit the crossbar three times and eventually earned a deserved draw when captain Daniel Bameyi calmly converted a late penalty after sustained pressure from the West Africans.

Zubair faces a selection challenge ahead of the Argentina clash, as forward Suleman Sani is suspended after picking up two yellow cards during the group stage. The coach will need to find a new attacking partner for Tahir Maigana and Kparobo Arierhi.

The Flying Eagles arrived in Santiago from Talca on Monday evening and will hold their final training session on Tuesday before taking on Argentina in what promises to be one of the most exciting matches of the tournament.

24th FIFA U20 World Cup Preview: Nigeria, Argentina Set for Santiago Showdown in Last-16 Clash

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics