Flying Eagles Crash Out Of U 20 World Cup

By: Gyang Dakwo

Nigeria was knocked out of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina at the quarterfinal stage on Sunday following a 1-0 defeat to South Korea in extra time.

Choi Seok-Hyun headed in a corner kick in the 95th minute to confirm South Korea’s passage to the semifinals where they will play Italy on Thursday.

The defeat was a difficult one for Nigeria who generated more opportunities but could not find a way past the well-organized Korean defense.

While the Nigerian team was more eager to attack, it struggled to create clear chances in a first half that featured long-range attempts from both sides.

Victor Eletu created Nigeria’s most dangerous attack in the 29th minute after driving past a couple of defenders but his shot was tipped wide by South Korea goalkeeper Kim Jun-Hong.

It was more of the same in the second half as Nigeria Captain Daniel Bameyi fired right at Kim inside the opening five minutes but the match remained scoreless at the end of nine minutes.

However, the Korean team delivered a sucker punch early in extra time when the Nigerian defense lost track of Choi who snuck in at the near post to flick a well-placed header past Nigeria keeper Chijioke Aniagboso from a Lee Seung-won corner kick.