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 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.”

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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.

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Morocco’s triumphant run to the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 title was nothing short of cinematic — a story woven from adversity, resilience, and a fierce belief in destiny.

From a Group Stage defeat to an unforgettable victory over Argentina, the Atlas Cubs’ journey captured the imagination of an entire continent and announced the dawn of a new era for African football.

Group Stage: Rocky Beginnings, Glimpses of Promise

The campaign began inauspiciously with a 1–2 defeat to Mexico. For coach Mohamed Ouahbi, it was a wake-up call — a reminder that the road to glory would be paved with lessons, not laurels. In their second game, a tense 1–1 draw with Japan restored some composure, as the young Moroccans found their rhythm but still struggled for finishing touch.

It was in their final group game against Ecuador that the Atlas Cubs roared to life. A commanding 2–0 win — featuring flowing passes, fearless pressing, and tactical discipline — saw them leap into the knockout stages. It was clear then that Morocco had shaken off their early nerves and were beginning to play with the confidence befitting continental champions.

Round of 16: The West African Wall

In the Round of 16, Morocco faced Korea and won 2-1. A single goal was enough to separate the two sides. The victory wasn’t just about survival; it was the moment the team truly believed they could go all the way.

Quarter-final: French Flair Meets North African Fire

The quarter-final clash with France tested Morocco’s mettle in every sense. After a 1–1 draw in regulation time, the game went to penalties — the ultimate test of nerve. With hearts pounding, the Atlas Cubs held firm, converting all five spot-kicks to triumph 5–4. Their celebrations were emotional, a reflection of years of youth development paying off on the grandest stage.

Semi-final: Slaying the Samba

If there was any lingering doubt about Morocco’s legitimacy as title contenders, their semi-final victory over Brazil erased it. Against the five-time world champions, Morocco played fearlessly. They combined compact defending with electrifying counter-attacks, edging the South Americans 2–1.
Yassir Zabiri announced himself as the tournament’s breakout star, while Oussama Co led by example — calm, commanding, and unbreakable.

Final: Conquering the Giants

Then came the biggest test — Argentina, six-time champions and pre-tournament favourites. In a masterclass of tactical intelligence and composure, Morocco stunned the football world. Zabiri’s two goals sealed a 2–0 victory, and with it, a historic title — Africa’s first since Ghana’s triumph in 2009.

When the final whistle blew at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago, tears flowed freely. From the King Mohammed VI Football Academy to Casablanca’s cafés, a nation erupted in joy. The Atlas Cubs had not just won a trophy — they had rewritten African football history.

Historical African Winners

Sixteen years apart, Africa once again stands tall at the summit of youth football. From André Ayew’s Ghanaian heroes in Cairo to Oussama Co’s Moroccan marvels in Santiago, the dream of African excellence burns brighter than ever.

Morocco’s Road to the Final

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The Paris Saint-Germain defender praised the young Lions for their remarkable run in the tournament, urging them to give their best in the decisive clash at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago, Chile. The match is scheduled to kick off at midnight Moroccan time.

“First of all, congratulations to you for the work you’re doing. You’ve shone throughout this World Cup. Now, there’s one last effort left. Everyone is behind you and proud of you. Dima Maghrib. Come on guys, all together!” Hakimi said in a message shared by FIFA.

The U20 team, coached by Mohamed Ouahbi, have captured the imagination of Moroccan fans with their performances, marking another milestone in the country’s growing football success story following recent achievements at senior and youth levels.

Hakimi’s message underscores the strong unity within Moroccan football, as the senior national team captain continues to inspire the next generation of Lions striving to make history on the global stage.

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The North Africans took the lead in the 31st minute after a VAR-assisted penalty decision. Forward Baouf was pulled down inside the box, prompting head coach Mohamed Ouahbi to use his green card to request a review. The referee awarded the penalty, and although Zabiri’s strike hit the post, it rebounded off French goalkeeper Lisandru Olmeta and crossed the line — recorded officially as an own goal.

Morocco dominated much of the first half, showcasing disciplined pressing and creative build-up play. Maamma came close twice — first curling narrowly over the bar, then missing from close range after fine work by Yassine Gessime. The Moroccan midfield stayed compact, cutting off France’s supply lines and limiting them to a single first-half shot on target, comfortably saved by Yanis Benchaouch.

France drew level in the 58th minute when Lucas Michal capitalised on a defensive lapse to slot home. Benchaouch soon pulled off a crucial save to deny another French chance but was later forced off injured, replaced by Gomis between the posts. Morocco pushed hard in the closing stages, with Maamma again curling just wide in the 90th minute.

Extra time produced few clear chances, though France threatened with a curling shot that drifted wide in the 102nd minute. The turning point came in the 107th minute when Nzingoula received a second yellow card for tugging Gessime’s shirt, reducing France to ten men. Morocco nearly made the advantage count, Maamma again firing inches wide in the 112th minute.

France twice came close in the 118th minute, but Morocco’s defence held firm. A late VAR handball review went in Morocco’s favour before Ouahbi made a tactical masterstroke — substituting Gomis for Mesbah to face the penalty shootout.

The Atlas Cubs held their composure in the shootout to seal a historic victory, booking their place in Sunday’s U-20 World Cup final against either Colombia or Argentina in the early hours of Monday, October 20.

This triumph marks Morocco’s first appearance in a FIFA youth World Cup final, underlining the nation’s growing stature in world football.

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Morocco reaffirmed its status as the shining light of African football on Sunday night after a commanding 3–1 victory over the United States propelled the Atlas Cubs into the semi-finals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Rancagua, Chile.

It marks a historic return to the last four for the North African nation — their first semi-final appearance in two decades — and another proud moment for a country fast becoming synonymous with excellence, discipline, and progress in world football.

Despite a spirited opening by the Americans, who dominated possession in the early stages, Morocco’s tactical maturity and lightning counterattacks proved decisive.

 In the 32nd minute, Saad El Haddad burst down the left flank and delivered a teasing cross to Othmane Maamma. Though his initial shot was saved, Maamma’s clever flick in the follow-up set up Fouad Zahouani for the simplest of finishes, sending Moroccan fans into raptures.

The USA clawed back into the contest just before halftime when Nolan Norris was brought down in the box by Ali Maamar, allowing Cole Campbell to convert from the spot. But Morocco’s response was a masterclass in composure and resilience.

Early in the second half, Zahouani again proved instrumental — his long throw unsettled the American defence, and Yassir Zabiri’s volley deflected off Joshua Wynder into the net to restore Morocco’s lead.

The Atlas Cubs sealed the victory late in the game when Gessime Yassine pounced on a defensive blunder to fire home, securing Morocco’s passage to the semi-finals against France in Valparaíso on Wednesday.

Speaking after the match, goalscorer Othmane Maamma praised the collective spirit that has come to define the Moroccan side:

“I’m not going to talk about Man of the Match because it’s thanks to my teammates that we put in a real team performance. It was our mentality and the love of the people that made us play such a great game tonight. We trusted our plan and believed in ourselves.”

Head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, visibly proud of his team’s evolution, added:

“We know we can hurt any team because we’ve got quality all over the pitch. Our defenders are solid, and our attackers defend as well. This generation is writing its own story — they deserve this moment. It’s a joy to work with them.”

From historic World Cup hosting rights to continental dominance at both club and national levels, Morocco continues to chart a new course for African football — one marked by investment, vision, and unrelenting ambition. Sunday’s triumph in Chile only reinforces the Kingdom’s growing reputation as Africa’s standard-bearer on the global stage.

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Morocco’s rise as the shining beacon of football development in Africa gained further validation on Thursday night as their U-20 team booked a place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025, following a 2–1 victory over Korea Republic in Rancagua.

The hard-fought triumph — secured through Yassir Zabiri’s decisive header and an early own goal — was not just a win on the pitch, but another proud chapter in Morocco’s ongoing football renaissance.

The Atlas Cubs have become the perfect embodiment of the Kingdom’s sustained investment in youth football, technical education, and modern infrastructure — the fruits of a long-term vision spearheaded by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) and backed by the state’s commitment to sport as a tool of national development.

So, when Yassir Zabiri’s soaring header found the net in Rancagua, it was more than just another victory.

It was a statement — a reflection of a football nation that has redefined what development, planning, and ambition mean on the African continent.

For decades, Morocco has been at the forefront of African football, but what the world is witnessing today is something far deeper than on-field talent. The rise of the Atlas Cubs is the product of a meticulous, long-term vision — one that has transformed Morocco into the flagship of football development in Africa.

The Match That Reflected a Movement

Against Korea Republic, the young Atlas Cubs displayed the hallmarks of a football culture built on structure and intelligence.

From the opening whistle, they showed calmness under pressure, precision in movement, and an understanding of tactical responsibility rarely seen at youth level.

Korea nearly drew first blood when Kim Taewon’s effort was miraculously cleared off the line by Ismael Baouf.

But Morocco, disciplined and confident, hit back almost instantly. Zabiri’s acrobatic attempt took a fortunate deflection off Shin Minha to give them the lead — an early reward for their assertive start.

The North Africans controlled the rhythm thereafter, mixing technical flair with defensive composure. Then, midway through the second half, came the goal that underlined their intent: Othmane Maamma, a constant menace on the flank, delivered a perfect cross that Zabiri headed home for 2–0.

Although Korea pulled one back from the spot deep into stoppage time, Morocco’s victory was never truly in doubt.

“It was a tough match,” said Maamma afterward, reflecting the group’s collective focus. “We’ve worked hard to bounce back from the loss to Mexico. Now, we just have to keep going and stay focused on what’s next.”

Blueprint for an African Football Revolution

Morocco’s success at youth level is not a coincidence; it is the direct outcome of a national project that began over a decade ago. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), under the leadership of President Fouzi Lekjaa, invested heavily in coaching, scouting, and infrastructure — the foundations that most African nations still treat as secondary.

The jewel in that crown is the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Salé, near Rabat — a sprawling, FIFA-accredited facility that stands among the finest in the world.

Housing over 30 pitches, high-performance gyms, dormitories, and sports science labs, it serves as both an academy and a university of football. Every Moroccan national team — men’s, women’s, youth, and even referees — has benefited from its resources.

The results speak for themselves. Morocco became the first African nation to reach a FIFA World Cup semi-final in Qatar 2022, their women’s team reached the final of the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and qualified for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, while clubs like Wydad Casablanca and RS Berkane have turned continental success into habit.

Now, the youth teams are carrying that torch forward.

A Culture of Continuity

Morocco’s rise has been guided by consistency. Coaches across all levels of the national setup work under a unified philosophy that emphasises technical intelligence, tactical flexibility, and professionalism.

The country’s domestic league has also benefited, with improved facilities, better coaching education, and stricter licensing standards.

In a continent where football success often depends on raw talent and fleeting moments of brilliance, Morocco’s story stands out for its structure and sustainability. It is a reminder that success is not born overnight — it is built through systems, not slogans.

The Broader African Context

As Morocco soar, other African powerhouses — including Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon — continue to grapple with instability, administrative crises, and funding gaps. The contrast could not be starker.

While others react to failure with short-term fixes, Morocco plan decades ahead.

That philosophy now sees their U-20 side marching confidently into the last eight of the World Cup, where they will face the United States on Sunday.

Regardless of the outcome, Morocco’s campaign has already underscored their position as the model African football nation — a mirror in which others must now look to find their way forward.

The New Standard

In Chile, the Atlas Cubs are not just chasing a title. They are carrying the weight of a football movement that has turned Morocco into Africa’s most organised and forward-looking sporting nation.

Each pass, each goal, and each disciplined display is part of a larger story — one of vision, investment, and identity. Morocco are no longer just participants in world football.

They are the standard-bearers of African excellence — and every step they take on the global stage reaffirms that truth.

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Thesix-time champions Argentina did not waste much time as they began scoring just two minutes the match in Santiago. By the time the dust settled, the Flying Eagles had conceded two goals in each half.

The humiliating defeat not only avenged a 2-0 loss to Nigeria two years ago, it eliminated the Flying Eagles from the tournament.

From the very first whistle, it was a nightmare unfolding for Nigeria. Barely two minutes in, Alejo Sarco silenced the West Africans with a crisp opener that shattered their early rhythm. Things went from bad to worse in the 23rd minute, when Maher Carrizo curled in a brilliant free-kick after Nasiru Salihu’s mistimed challenge at the edge of the box — a goal that left Nigeria’s defensive wall and goalkeeper rooted in disbelief.

Nigeria’s brief glimmer of hope came when Salihu appeared to be fouled by Ramirez inside the box, but the referee waved away appeals for a penalty, compounding their frustration.

With the Argentines dominating possession and dictating the pace, Nigeria’s attacks came in desperate flashes.

Oseer Achihi’s darting runs down the left flank occasionally unsettled the South Americans, but his dangerous crosses found no finishing touch.

Even Daniel Daga’s stoppage-time effort, Nigeria’s best chance of the first half, was spectacularly denied by goalkeeper Santino Barbi, keeping the scoreline at 2-0 at halftime.

Whatever hopes Nigeria harboured of a second-half comeback evaporated quickly. Carrizo struck again in the 53rd minute, finishing off a swift Argentine counter-attack that sliced open Nigeria’s backline.

By the time substitute Matheus Silvetti beat the offside trap and curled home Argentina’s fourth in the 66th minute, it was clear the Flying Eagles were facing a total collapse and will be flying home.

Outclassed, outpaced, and outscored, the defeat marked one of Nigeria’s heaviest in recent U20 World Cup history.

The Flying Eagles — two-time runners-up — exit the tournament with a bitter taste, undone by Argentina’s ruthless precision and their own defensive frailties.

For the Albiceleste, it was not just victory — it was vengeance delivered in emphatic style.

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SUMMARY

*Nigeria never lost a competitive match on October 8

*Nigeria first international match was on October 8, 1949

*Nigeria first qualified for the World Cup following an October 8 match with Algeria in 1993

Mexico have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, following a commanding 4-1 victory over hosts Chile in the early hours of Wednesday.

With the win, the North Americans will now await the outcome of the Round of 16 clash between Nigeria and Argentina, which takes place later tonight at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez PrádanosinSantiago.

Nigeria will be aiming to repeat history against the Albiceleste, having stunned them 2-0 on home soil in their previous meeting two years ago.

But beyond recent records, the Super Eagles’ U20 side will also be drawing inspiration from a remarkable tradition — the ‘Magic of October 8’ — a date that has consistently brought Nigeria good fortune in football.

October 8: A Date Steeped in Nigerian Football History

It was on October 8, 1949, that Nigeria played their first-ever international match, defeating Sierra Leone 2-0 in Freetown. Since then, matches played on this date have often carried a touch of destiny for the nation.

In 1963, the team earned a 2-2 draw away to Liberia, maintaining their unbeaten streak on October 8, shortly after Nigeria had, through protest, overturned a result against Guinea to qualify for their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations.

Perhaps the most iconic result came 26 years after Nigeria’s debut international match, when the Green Eagles thrashed Egypt 4-0 in Lagos on October 8, 1977, during the final stage of the World Cup qualifiers for Argentina ’78.

That defeat remained Egypt’s heaviest in a World Cup qualifier until Ghana’s 6-1 rout in 2013.

The tradition continued in 1993, when Nigeria held Algeria 1-1 in Algiers on October 8 to qualify for their first-ever FIFA World Cup, becoming the first English-speaking African nation to reach the global showpiece.

Even FIFA appeared to acknowledge the date’s mystique — lifting a provisional ban on Nigeria on October 8, 2010.

Nigeria’s Record on October 8

• 1949 – Freetown (Friendly): Sierra Leone 0–2 Nigeria
• 1963 – Monrovia (Friendly): Liberia 2–2 Nigeria
• 1977 – Lagos (World Cup Qualifier): Nigeria 4–0 Egypt
• 1993 – Algiers (World Cup Qualifier): Algeria 1–1 Nigeria (Nigeria qualify for USA ’94)
• 2005 – Abuja (World Cup Qualifier): Nigeria 5–1 Zimbabwe
• 2010 – FIFA provisionally lifts ban on Nigeria
• 2011 – Abuja (AFCON Qualifier): Nigeria 2–2 Guinea (unbeaten but missed 2012 AFCON ticket)

With such an impressive record, Nigerian fans will be hoping the October 8 magic shines once again when their U20 side face Argentina — and possibly sets up a thrilling quarter-final showdown with Mexico.

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