Argentina U20 head coach, Diego Placente, has expressed deep respect for Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, describing them as a dangerous and unpredictable opponent ahead of their Round of 16 clash at the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup.
The crucial encounter is set for Wednesday night at the Julio Martinez Pradanos National Stadium, with a quarterfinal ticket on the line.
Placente, whose team topped Group D after winning all three of their group matches, acknowledged Nigeria’s speed and sharp counterattacks as key threats.
“Playing the same way, knowing that they are very dangerous on the counterattack,” Placente told TyC Sports. “Sometimes when you analyse, you are a little disorganised, but when a team is very long, it has its good and bad sides. You have more possession there, but every time you lose it, you suffer a lot more.”
The matchup rekindles memories of Nigeria’s stunning victory over Argentina at the same stage in the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup, where the Flying Eagles knocked out the hosts.
As both sides prepare for the showdown, Argentina will be looking to maintain their unbeaten run, while Nigeria aims to secure another historic triumph and book a place in the last eight.
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