U-20 FOOTBALL
Argentina 2023: Ambassador Ikurusi charges Flying Eagles to go for glory
The Nigerian Ambassador to Argentina, His Excellency Mr. Philip Ikurusi has charged the Flying Eagles to not only evoke the spirit of their 1989 and 2005 predecessors, but to also go a step further by winning for Nigeria for the very first time the FIFA U20 World Cup trophy in Argentina this summer.
Mr. Ikurusi made the call when he visited the team’s camp at Howard Johnson Hotel & Resorts in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina on Tuesday evening.
The diplomat also advised the players to be focused and play as a unit, as success in football can only be achieved through team work.
“I am here to officially welcome you to Argentina, the host nation of the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup finals.
“It is heartwarming that our dear nation will be among the 24 nations that will take part in this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup. It is also on record that we have played the final of this tournament on two occasions, in 1989 and 2005 and I believe this present set can surpass the record of your predecessors by lifting the coveted trophy for the first time.”
The Flying Eagles, who finished third at the Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Egypt earlier in the year, will tackle Dominican Republic, Italy and Brazil in that order in Group D of the three-week global fiesta commencing next week Saturday.
“I believe with hard work, commitment and dedication, you can do it by overpowering all opposition before you and getting your hands on the trophy.”
Ambassador Ikurusi further called on the players to be of good conduct and behaviour during their stay in the South American nation.
Responding, Head Coach of the Flying Eagles, Isah Ladan Bosso expressed appreciation to the Ambassador for the visit while promising the team is ready to make the nation proud.
Two-time runners-up Nigeria will get their campaign off the ground on Monday, 21 May when they go up against the Dominican Republic in Mendoza. Their other matches in the group phase are against Italy (also in Mendoza) on 24 May and against Brazil (in La Plata) on 27 May.
The Kingdom of Morocco is set to celebrate its latest football triumph as His Majesty King Mohammed VI, will this Wednesday host the national under-20 football team for a royal reception in honor of their historic FIFA U-20 World Cup victory in Chile.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI
According to a statement from the Ministry of the Royal Household, Protocol, and Chancellery, the King has instructed that the young Atlas Lions, who made history by becoming world champions, be accorded a hero’s welcome on Wednesday, October 22.
The statement confirmed that the royal audience will take place at the Royal Palace in Rabat, where His Majesty will personally receive the players, coaches, and officials of the victorious team in recognition of their exceptional performance and for bringing pride to the nation.
Following the royal reception, a grand popular celebration is scheduled to take place in the capital. The team will depart from the Royal Palace around 6:30 p.m., passing through Bab Essoufara and then along Avenue Mohammed V, where thousands of Moroccans are expected to line the streets to cheer the world champions.
This marks an unprecedented milestone in Moroccan football history, as the U-20 side’s global triumph has sparked nationwide jubilation and renewed optimism for the country’s growing football legacy under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, whose sustained investment in youth and sports development has been widely praised.
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It is a transcontinental rivalry that is fast spreading across all competitions. From the FIFA World Cup to the football tournament of the Olympics, the King Fahd Intercontinental Cup later redesignated as Confederation Cup, the U-17 World Cup, the U-20 World Cup and friendly matches – Argentina and Nigeria are fast becoming fierce rivals.
And so, for the third time in history, Nigeria and Argentina will go head-to-head at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, as they clash in a highly anticipated Round of 16 encounter at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago, Chile, on Wednesday. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. Nigerian time.
The Flying Eagles delegation arrive in Santiago
The fixture rekindles one of youth football’s most captivating rivalries, with both nations boasting rich histories at the global stage.
Their most recent meeting came two years ago when Nigeria stunned hosts Argentina 2-0 in the Round of 16 — a result that sent shockwaves across the tournament. Goals from Ibrahim Muhammad and Haliru Sarki sealed that famous win, propelling the Flying Eagles into the quarter-finals before they bowed out to the Republic of Korea after extra time.
The rivalry dates back decades. In the 2005 final in the Netherlands, Argentina triumphed 2-1 over Nigeria thanks to two penalty goals from Lionel Messi, while Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi struck a memorable goal for the Flying Eagles.
Argentina remain the most successful nation in the tournament’s history with six titles, while Nigeria have reached the final twice (1989 and 2005) and claimed bronze in 1985.
Despite the Albiceleste’s pedigree, the Flying Eagles — seven-time African champions — will take to the pitch in Santiago with belief and determination, buoyed by a strong group-stage showing. Coach Aliyu Zubair’s men collected four points from their three matches, including a spirited 1-1 draw with Colombia, in which Nigeria struck the crossbar three times before captain Daniel Bameyi coolly converted a late penalty.
That performance, built on resilience and attacking flair, has strengthened confidence within the Nigerian camp. However, Zubair will have to make at least one change in attack as Suleman Sani is suspended after receiving two yellow cards in the group stage.
The Flying Eagles arrived in Santiago from Talca on Monday evening and will hold a final training session on Tuesday ahead of their showdown with the South American giants.
With history, pride, and a place in the quarter-finals at stake, Wednesday’s clash promises another thrilling chapter in the long-running Nigeria–Argentina football rivalry.
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Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will take to the pitch in a make-or-break Group F encounter against Colombia at the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile on Sunday night in Chile, but Monday morning in Nigeria.
The game carries huge stakes for both teams. Nigeria must win to secure a top-two finish and automatic passage to the Round of 16. A draw or defeat would confine them to third place, leaving qualification dependent on results from other groups.
Colombia, on the other hand, need only a draw to confirm their place in the knockout stage after a steady start to their campaign.
The South Americans are expected to approach the match with caution, aware that avoiding defeat will be enough to advance.
Nigeria’s coach Aliyu Zubairu is expected to rally his players for one final push, knowing that victory is the only guarantee for survival in the competition. Fans back home will be watching closely in the early hours of Monday, hoping the Flying Eagles can rise to the occasion and keep their World Cup hopes alive.
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