U20 FOOTBALL
You aren’t seen nothing yet, Flying Eagles coach Bosso boasts
Nigeria have qualified for the round of 16 at the U20 FIFA World Cup in Argentina, after edging out Italy 2-0 in Mendoza, their second successive victory in Group D.
Salim Fago and Jude Sunday scored the goals for the Flying Eagles to soar them into the last 16 with a match to spare in the group. But even with a brilliant victory, head coach Ladan Bosso still wants more from the team, with their eyes pegged on getting to the final.
“For now, we are still a work in progress. We are still in the tournament and we can never be satisfied yet until we play the final,” the tactician said after his team’s victory over Italy.
This was their second win in the group, having started off with a 2-1 victory over The Dominican Republic on Match Day One.
He was delighted with the performance of his side in earning the victory.
“You have seen it, it’s a good thing that we have orientated our boys on how to get the Italians, and we stuck to our tactics. After the first half, we tried to reinforce the team so that if we could not score, we shouldn’t be able to concede, and eventually, it went well for us,” the tactician noted.
His sentiments are shared by midfielder Victor Eletu, who played a starring role in the victory.
“I am very happy with how the team played because we showed great character. I know we can go far in this competition because we have a very good team. We played as a team and that’s why we could beat a strong opponent like Italy,” Eletu, who plays his club football in Italy with AC Milan said.
Nigeria will next face off with Brazil in a blockbuster tie, with the winner of the duel set to finish top of the group and seeded better for the round of 16. Coach Bosso says however, he will rotate his squad to give those who haven’t played a chance to prove themselves.
“We will play a normal game with Brazil. I think they are beatable,” said the tactician.
In the game against Italy, both sides had close scoring chances in the opening half, but it was not until the second 45 that the goals came through. Fago broke the deadlock with a beautiful diving header on the hour mark from a cross on the right.
In the fourth minute of added time, Sunday made it 2-0 when he ran onto a lobbed ball, chested it to move away from his marker before shooting low past the keeper.
Meanwhile in the other match involving an African team at the World Cup, Senegal picked their first point after a 1-1 draw with Israel. Pape Demba Diop drew Senegal level in the 80th minute, after Babacar N’Diaye had scored in his own net in the 58th minute.
The African champions who started their campaign with a slim 1-0 defeat at the hands of Japan will now face off with Group leaders Colombia in a must win duel to keep their last 16 hopes alive.
U20 FOOTBALL
On the King’s orders, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan presided over a ceremony honoring the Atlas Lion Cubs
Upon the High Instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan presided, on Wednesday at the Royal Palace in Rabat, over a ceremony offered by the Sovereign in honor of the members of the national under-20 football team, following their triumph at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup held in Chile.
On this occasion, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was greeted by the President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Mr. Fouzi Lekjaa, the national team coach, Mr. Mohamed Ouahbi, and the members of the national team, before posing for a commemorative photo.
A tea ceremony was then held in honor of the members of the U-20 national team.
This reception illustrates the High Solicitude with which His Majesty the King, may God assist Him, continues to surround Moroccan youth, supporting their development through sports, and reflects the special interest that the Sovereign devotes to this sector in general and to football in particular.
It follows the historic achievement of the national under-20 team, which won this world title — the first of its kind in the history of Moroccan and Arab football.
This triumph is fully in line with the enlightened and forward-looking vision of His Majesty the King, may God assist Him, who has elevated national sports training to the highest international standards, notably through the Mohammed VI Football Academy — a true cradle of young Moroccan talent. It also represents a deep source of pride for the entire Nation and highlights, with brilliance, the values of effort, perseverance, and hard work that pave the way to success and excellence.
Following the victory of the Atlas Cubs against the Argentine team in the final of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, His Majesty the King, may God assist Him, sent a message of congratulations to the members of the national team, in which the Sovereign emphasized that the Moroccan team had honorably represented its country and its youth, as well as the African continent, with dignity and pride.
-MAP
The streets of Rabat were awash in red and green on Wednesday night as tens of thousands of Moroccans poured out to celebrate their national under-20 football team’s historic triumph at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile — the first world title ever won by a Moroccan or Arab national team.
The festivities followed a royal reception at the Royal Palace in Rabat, held on the high instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI and presided over by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan.
The Crown Prince warmly received the victorious Atlas Cubs alongside Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, and head coach Mohamed Ouahbi.
A traditional tea ceremony was held in their honor, symbolizing the Monarch’s deep support for Moroccan youth and his personal commitment to the country’s sporting excellence.
A Royal Celebration, a National Pride
The ceremony reflected the King’s long-standing vision for Moroccan sports — a vision embodied by the Mohammed VI Football Academy, whose world-class training programs have produced many of the young talents now hailed as world champions.
In a message of congratulations, King Mohammed VI praised the team for “honoring their country and the African continent with dignity and determination.”
After the reception, the champions boarded an open-top bus for a grand victory parade through Rabat’s main thoroughfares, including the iconic Avenue Mohammed V.
As the bus rolled through the capital toward Salé, chants of “Dima Maghrib!” (“Forever Morocco!”) echoed from every corner.
Children hoisted flags, families waved scarves, and strangers embraced in tears of joy as the bus carrying the young heroes made its way through a sea of ecstatic supporters.
Voices from the Street
For many Moroccans, this moment represented far more than just a football victory — it was a symbol of national pride, unity, and aspiration.
“This is a great day for the youth of our country,” said Abdelhak, one of the fans who gathered along the parade route. “These boys have shown that with perseverance, Morocco can beat the best from Latin America, Europe, and Asia.”
Another supporter, Salma, praised King Mohammed VI for his investment in Moroccan football: “This win is a result of years of planning and support from the King. We are proud, we are united — Dima Maghrib!”
The celebrations drew fans from across the world, including Ayman, who flew in from France just to witness the parade. “I couldn’t miss this moment. It’s history,” he said. “Now we want the Atlas Lions to win AFCON in December — this is just the beginning.”
A Victory Beyond Borders
The jubilant scenes in Rabat reverberated far beyond Morocco. On social media, the parade trended globally as fans and international media joined in the celebration. French outlets ActuFoot, Foot Mercato, and Onze Mondial hailed the young Atlas Lions, describing them as a “golden generation” and “the pride of Africa.”
Across platforms like X, Instagram, and TikTok, Moroccan users shared emotional tributes and clips from the parade, filling timelines with red and green hearts and patriotic chants. “A dream come true,” one post read. “Always Morocco.”
Looking Ahead: Morocco’s Football Renaissance
With the country set to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in December, many believe the U-20 triumph signals a new era for Moroccan football.
“This is not just a celebration of victory,” said a sports commentator on national TV. “It’s the fruit of a vision — a foundation for sustained excellence. What we’re witnessing is Morocco’s football renaissance.”
As fireworks lit up the Rabat skyline late into the night, one message echoed everywhere — from the palace courtyards to the city streets and across the digital world: Morocco has arrived on the world stage, and its football future burns bright.
“If this is the future,” wrote one fan online, “then AFCON is ours.”
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
By Kunle Solaja.
In a night painted red and green under the dazzling Santiago lights, Morocco carved their name into football’s golden history books, stunning six-time champions Argentina 2–0 to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025. It was not just a victory — it was poetry, passion, and pride, beautifully woven into ninety unforgettable minutes at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos.
For Mohamed Ouahbi and his fearless Atlas Cubs, this was destiny fulfilled. Forty-eight years after Morocco first graced the inaugural U-20 World Cup, the North Africans have finally ascended football’s youth summit, becoming only the second African nation — after Ghana’s golden generation in 2009 — to conquer the world at this level.
The Night Zabiri Shone Brightest
If Morocco’s triumph had a heartbeat, it pulsed in the boots of Yassir Zabiri. The elegant forward, all composure and creativity, turned the final into a personal stage. His genius lit up Santiago from the 13th minute when, after being clattered by Argentine goalkeeper Santino Barbi on a breakaway, he rose to curl the ensuing free-kick into the top corner — a goal of artistry and audacity that will be replayed for years in Moroccan football folklore.
That was just the overture. Argentina, the tournament’s darlings and serial winners, pushed forward with their trademark intensity, but Morocco’s counterattack carried a lethal rhythm. Ismael Baouf, imperious in midfield, intercepted a pass and released Othmane Maamma down the flank. His whipped cross found Zabiri, who volleyed home with thunderous precision.
Two goals up. One continent roaring.
A Final of Grit and Glory
From there, the Atlas Cubs defended like lions. Baouf marshalled the midfield, while Fouad Zahouani and captain Oussama Co turned every Argentine advance into frustration. Goalkeeper Ibrahim Gomis, calm and commanding, barely broke a sweat as Argentina’s famed forwards were reduced to long-range hopefuls.
On the stroke of halftime, Argentina’s Mateo Silvetti nearly pulled one back, his shot skimming past the post, but Morocco immediately responded — Maamma cutting inside and firing goalward, only for Juan Villalba’s desperate clearance to deny a third.
The second half brought wave after wave of Argentine possession, but it was Morocco’s discipline, not desperation, that defined the contest. Zabiri’s artistry continued to trouble the South Americans, his curling effort from outside the box narrowly missing. Substitute Ian Subiabre’s late miss summed up Argentina’s evening — plenty of promise, no precision.
When the final whistle sounded, Morocco’s bench erupted in tears and triumph. The players danced, draped in flags, as Ouahbi embraced his staff. From Rabat to Casablanca, from Fez to Marrakesh, the celebrations had already begun.
A New Dawn for African Football
Morocco’s triumph carried echoes of Ghana’s 2009 success — another African nation that defied the odds and the hierarchy of football. But this victory felt uniquely Moroccan: disciplined, artistic, and deeply symbolic.
It also shattered a long-standing record. No team had beaten Argentina in a FIFA U-20 World Cup final for 42 years — not since Brazil’s Dunga and Bebeto-led side triumphed in 1983. Since then, Argentina had bested Brazil, Uruguay, Ghana, Nigeria, and the Czech Republic to lift six titles. Until now.
Legacy of a Golden Generation
For Yassir Zabiri, whose two goals will live forever in Moroccan hearts, the night crowned him the face of a new generation. For coach Mohamed Ouahbi, it was vindication — proof that Moroccan youth football, long respected across Africa, can now rule the world.
“This victory belongs to every Moroccan child who dreams with a football at his feet,” Ouahbi declared, his voice trembling amid the confetti storm. “We came here as students. We leave as champions.”
And so, on a cool Chilean night, Morocco’s Atlas Cubs roared the loudest. From the sands of the Sahara to the shores of the Atlantic, a new story of African brilliance has been written — and it begins, gloriously, in Santiago.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- WAFCON4 days ago
BREAKING: CAF Postpones WAFCON 2026
- OBITUARY5 days ago
Nigerian Sports Journalism Mourns Oyeniyi Oyeleke and Tonex Chukwu
- MLS1 week ago
Trump to Host Lionel Messi and Inter Miami at the White House
- World Cup5 days ago
‘I really don’t care’ if Iran plays in World Cup, Trump tells Politico
- World Cup4 days ago
Iraq’s World Cup Playoff in Doubt as War Disrupts Travel and Visa Processing
- FA Cup2 days ago
Eze thunderbolt guides Arsenal past Mansfield into FA Cup quarter-finals
- MLS3 days ago
Trump celebrates Messi
- World Cup3 days ago
World Cup 2026: U-20 World Cup Winner Ouahbi Takes Charge of Morocco’s Atlas Lions