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Coach Aliyu Zubairu and his Flying Eagles players [Photo by IMAGO; Edited by Azzuu]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Flying Eagles<\/a>\u00a0head coach Aliyu Zubairu has revealed the tactical mindset behind Nigeria\u2019s preparations for their FIFA U20 World Cup Round of 16 clash against Argentina, Soccernet.ng reports.<\/strong><\/p>\n At 8:30 pm Nigerian time, the seven-time African champions will be aiming to repeat their 2023 heroics against the South Americans after advancing from the Group stage as the Best third-placed team.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Nigeria famously knocked out the Albiceleste on their home soil two years ago, winning 2-0 in San Juan with goals from Ibrahim Muhammad and Haliru Sarki.<\/p>\n This time, the teams meet again at the Estadio Nacional Julio Mart\u00ednez Pr\u00e1danos in Santiago, with a quarter-final ticket at stake.<\/p>\n Zubairu said his players have studied Argentina\u2019s strengths and weaknesses, and insisted that Nigeria\u2019s focus will be on exploiting the spaces left behind by the six-time champions.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have seen Argentina, we have seen their strengths, and we will try to neutralise them,\u201d the coach said. \u201cWe have been able to pick out their deficiencies, and we are going to work on that. On Wednesday, we\u2019ll take advantage of what we\u2019ve observed and, hopefully, we win the game.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The Flying Eagles advanced from a tough group featuring Saudi Arabia and Colombia, finishing with four points to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.<\/p>\n Their 1-1 draw against Colombia was crucial, as captain Daniel Bameyi converted a late penalty after Nigeria had struck the woodwork three times.<\/p>\n According to Zubairu, that gritty performance showed qualities that will be vital against an Argentine side that cruised through their group with nine points.<\/p>\n \u201cAs the competition progresses, the opposition becomes a bit tougher. That\u2019s why you saw what happened against Colombia, as they are a good, physical side and very direct. But we were able to scale through,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Zubairu, however, played down Argentina\u2019s perfect record in the group stage. Speaking further, he said the knockout round presents a different challenge.<\/p>\n \u201cArgentina came out with nine points, yes, and we respect them for that. But whatever points you gather in your group, you leave behind once you get to the knockout stage because this is an entirely new ball game,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The coach believes Nigeria\u2019s self-belief and tactical awareness will be decisive, recalling how his team used similar preparation to defeat Argentina in 2023.<\/p>\n \u201cI remember the last scenario; it happened in the last U-20 World Cup, which they even hosted. They came out with nine points, we came second in our group, but we still beat them. We are going to do the same thing again,\u201d he declared.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nSoccer Zubairu\u2019s tactical plan for Argentina<\/h2>\n
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Soccer Flying Eagles\u2019 confidence after tough group stage<\/h2>\n
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Soccer Nigeria eye repeat of 2023 victory<\/h2>\n
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