Nigeria’s under-20 national team dealt a blow by eliminating hosts Argentina on Wednesday, following a 0-2 victory in the last 16 of the World Cup in the category.

Ibrahim Muhammad in the 61st minute and Rilwanu Sarki in the 91st minute scored goals for the African national team that defeated the Albiceleste, the first winner of these world championships with six crowns.

After this placement, Nigeria will face Ecuador or South Korea, who will determine one of the last sixteen finals this Thursday.

Argentina come into this assignment with perfect speed after finishing top of Group A following 2-1 wins against Uzbekistan, 3-0 against Guatemala and 5-0 against New Zealand.

Nigeria, meanwhile, finished third in Zone D behind Brazil and Italy, following a narrow 2-1 win against the Dominican Republic, a surprise 2-0 win against Italy, both in Mendoza, and a 0-0 draw. 2 against Brazil in La Plata.

The Africans, who were runners-up twice at the U-20 World Cup: 1989 (lost the final against Portugal) and 2005 (lost in the decider against Argentina) – in addition to finishing third in 1985 – will go on to participate for the 13th time in this ecumenical youth event after joining this edition after finishing third at the last African Under-20 Cup of Nations. (D)