Nigeria’s U-20 World Cup journey came to an end in Argentina after a heartbreaking defeat in extra time. The Flying Eagles faced tough opposition from South Korea, the runner-up in the previous U-20 World Cup held in 2019, where they lost to Ukraine. On June 4, South Korea secured their spot in the tournament with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Nigeria.
The Nigerian team represented the last remaining hope for Africa in the competition. Unfortunately, their dreams were dashed as they fell short against a determined South Korean side. Despite their best efforts, the Flying Eagles were unable to find the back of the net, and the match slipped away from their grasp in the additional minutes.
Meanwhile, in another match on the same day, Uruguay triumphed over the United States of America. The South American team took the lead in the 21st minute through a well-executed counter-attack, with Anderson Duarte slotting the ball into an empty net. Uruguay further extended their advantage in the 56th minute when Joshua Wynder unintentionally scored an own goal.
In a thrilling clash on June 3rd, Italy secured their place in the U-20 World Cup semifinals for the third consecutive time. The Italian team showcased their prowess as they booked their spot in the next stage of the tournament.
In a stunning upset, Israel shocked the favorite, Brazil, with a close 3-2 victory on the same day. The Israeli team displayed determination and skill, causing a major upset in San Juan and earning themselves a spot in the semifinals.
Interestingly, none of the remaining four teams in the competition have ever won the U-20 World Cup. As the tournament progresses, anticipation and excitement grow as these teams battle it out for the coveted title.
Despite Nigeria’s exit from the competition, the journey and effort put forth by the Flying Eagles will be remembered. They represented Africa with pride and determination, showcasing the immense talent present on the continent.
