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Nigeria and Argentina will renew their rivalry in the first knockout round at the FIFA U20 World Cup.
With the group stages of the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup done and dusted, all attention switches to the knockout stage where Nigeria will face Argentina next.
Nigeria and Argentina are no strangers to each other in FIFA competitions. Both countries are set for another explosive clash at this level after the memorable final in the 2005 edition.
Both nations have impressed early on in the 2023 edition, making their way to the knockout stage with relative ease.
Ahead of the clash in the round of 16, here are five players from both countries to watch out for.
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23:56 - 28.05.2023
U20 World Cup: 'We will bounce back', Flying Eagles star Bameyi says as team prepares for Argentina
The Flying Eagles suffered their first defeat at the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup on Saturday, after losing 2-0 to five-time champions Brazil, in La Plata.
Jude Sunday
The 18-year-old has been one of Nigeria’s best performers so far at the U20 FIFA World Cup.
Sunday has been a constant feature in the Flying Eagles team and has one goal to his name.
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He netted a stunning winner in that brilliant 2-0 victory against Italy in Nigeria’s second match in the group stage.
Lucas Romero
The Lazio superstar has been in fine representing his nation at the U20.
Romero has emerged as one of the stars of the group stage in Argentina after he scored two goals so far in the competition.
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The 18-year-old is a left winger for the Argentine team and is one to keep an eye on.
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01:01 - 29.05.2023
Confirmed! Flying Eagles to face nemesis Argentina in U20 World Cup Round of 16
In the 2005 edition, the Flying Eagles had come close to winning the U20 World Cup, however, a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina lifted the trophy in Utrecht, instead.
Alejo Veliz
With just starts, Veliz has taken to the top of the scorer’s chart in the U20 World Cup after scoring three goals.
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The 19-year-old needed just 19 minutes to score in his last game against New Zealand and Nigeria will need to take note of him.
Victor Eletu
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23:59 - 28.05.2023
Flying Eagles renew hostilities with Argentina in U20 World Cup
In a replay of the 2005 final featuring a certain Lionel Messi, Nigeria will play hosts Argentina in the round-of-16 at the 2023 U20 World Cup
AC Milan superstar Eletu has been one of the revelations so far for Nigeria in Argentina.
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Eletu’s passes and calmness on the ball have one of the standout features in the middle of the park for the Flying Eagles alongside another prodigious star, Daniel Daga.
Federico Redondo
20-year-old defensive midfielder Federico Redondo is the rave of the moment in the Argentine team.
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09:25 - 29.05.2023
FIFA U-20 World Cup Time and where to watch Nigeria's Flying Eagles face Argentina
Read to find out when and where the Flying Eagles will take on the Argentina at the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
His style of play has drawn comparisons with Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets.
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Redondo has been identified as one player that top clubs should go after because of his passing, reading of the game and press resistant nature.
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14:58 - 22.05.2023
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16:49 - 22.05.2023
U20 World Cup: Ladan Bosso reacts to Flying Eagles win over Dominican Republic
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22:07 - 23.05.2023
U20 World Cup: 'Flying Eagles can neutralize Italy's armoury' - Ladan Bosso says
The fixture slated for Estadio Malvinas Argentina in Mendoza will kick off at 7 pm Nigerian time.
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22:51 - 23.05.2023
U20 World Cup: AC Milan youngster Eletu reveals what Flying Eagles must do against Italy
Victory for either side on Wednesday will seal qualification to the knockout stages for the winner.
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21:41 - 24.05.2023
FIFA U20WC: Nigeria’s Flying Eagles thrash Italy to reach knockout stages
An improved Nigeria Flying Eagles made it two wins in two at the FIFA U20 World Cup after seeing off Italy with an excellent display. Casadei who?
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21:53 - 24.05.2023
'Ladan Bosso is COOKING' - Match reactions as Flying Eagles beat Italy, qualify for U20 World Cup R16
Thanks to second-half goals by Salim Fago and Jude Sunday, Nigeria's U20 have qualified for the knockout stages with a group game to spare.
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20:22 - 25.05.2023
U20 World Cup: What Ladan Bosso said after Flying Eagles' Wednesday win over Italy
Goals from Salim Fago and Jude Sunday helped Nigeria move into the next stage of the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup.
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