Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu says his team is fully prepared to stun Argentina when both sides meet in the Round of 16 of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Santiago on Wednesday night.
Nigeria, seven-time African champions, will be aiming to book a place in the quarter-finals at the expense of the South American giants, who have been in imperious form throughout the tournament.
It will be the third meeting between both nations at this level. The first came in 2005, when Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, beat Nigeria 2–1 in the final. The Flying Eagles got their revenge two years ago, winning their Round of 16 encounter to eliminate the Albiceleste.
Argentina head into the fixture as overwhelming favourites after winning all three of their group matches, while Nigeria advanced as one of the best third-placed teams.
Despite the odds, Zubairu believes his side can find a way through.
“We have seen Argentina, we have seen their strengths, and we will try to neutralise them,” he said at his pre-match press conference.
“We have been able to pick out their deficiencies, and we are going to work on that. On Wednesday, we’ll take advantage of what we’ve observed and, hopefully, we win the game.”
The Flying Eagles will rely on their trademark physicality, pace, and counter-attacking strength to challenge Diego Placente’s side, who boast one of the tournament’s best defensive records.
A win for Nigeria would mark another major milestone for the team, who are seeking their first U-20 World Cup title in history.
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