The Flying Eagles of Nigeria on Sunday were knocked out of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina, losing 1-0 to South Korea in the quarter-finals at the Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades in Santiago Del Estero.
Nigeria started with Salim Fago Lawal in attack, with Sunday Jude and Ibrahim Beji Muhammed supporting on the wings. For South Korea, Young-Jun Lee featured up-front while Yong-hak Kim and Seong-Jin Kang were on the flanks.
Both sides created few chances in the first half, with Nigeria dominating possession. The Africans took more shots, but could not find the back of the net.
In the second half, the battle in midfield continued. South Korea defended brilliantly as Nigeria piled on the pressure. However, the scores remained 0-0 after 90 minutes. Extra Time!!!
South Korea stunned Nigeria in the 94th minute of extra-time after Choi Seok-Hyun’s header from a corner kick beat goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso to give the Asians the lead.
Ladan Bosso’s men were up against the ropes late in the game and needed an instant response. Nigeria tried to find a way back into the encounter, but there was no way past the resilient defence of the South Korea.
The match finished 1-0 in favour of South Korea, with the Asians progressing to the semi-finals of the U20 FIFA World Cup after knocking out Nigeria.
Korea Republic are in the semi-finals! 🙌#U20WC
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 4, 2023
