Under the guidance of Javier Mascherano, Argentina secured a first-place finish in Group A, while Nigeria qualified for the knockout rounds as one of the best-performing third-placed teams. Argentina delighted the home crowd in the early stages of the tournament, sealing their spot in the knockout stage with just 180 minutes of play. They scored five goals and conceded only once in their wins against Uzbekistan and Guatemala. Mascherano, drawing from his playing days, is unlikely to allow his team to ease off in their final group match against New Zealand, as the Junior All Whites are still fighting for a place in the last 16.
With the expectation of numerous changes, several Cebollitas players impressed and made their case for starting roles in the knockout stages. Argentina dominated New Zealand, winning 5-0 in their final group game, with Ignacio Maestro Puch, Luka Romero, Brian Aguirre, Gino Infantino, and Alejo Veliz all finding the net.
Argentina is one of only two teams to finish the group stage with a perfect record, alongside the USA. Their tally of 10 goals is second only to Ecuador, who scored nine goals in a single game against Fiji, amassing a total of 11.
Having won the Under-20 World Cup six times between 1995 and 2007, Argentina's young talents are eager to restore their nation's past glory at the youth level. Since their last tournament victory 16 years ago, Los Cebollitas have only reached the quarter-finals.
Similarly, Nigeria began their quest for a maiden Under-20 World Cup title with consecutive wins against the Dominican Republic and Italy, placing them atop Group D ahead of Italy and Brazil. However, their attempt to overcome Brazil in the final match proved unsuccessful, as they conceded goals just before halftime. Italy's 3-0 victory over the Dominican Republic pushed Nigeria down to third place, with the same number of points as Brazil and Italy but an inferior goal difference.
Nevertheless, there was a silver lining for Ladan Bosso's team, as the Flying Eagles advanced to the knockout rounds as the best-performing third-placed team. Their six points would have secured a top-two finish in some other groups.
Having claimed the bronze medal at the 2023 Under-20 African Cup of Nations, Nigeria finished as runners-up in the 1989 and 2005 Under-20 World Cups. However, they were eliminated in the last 16 in their last three appearances in 2013, 2015, and 2019.
Interestingly, Nigeria's only previous encounter with Argentina at the Under-20 level occurred in the 2005 final, where the South American nation emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, courtesy of two Lionel Messi penalties. The winners of Wednesday's match will look forward to a quarter-final battle against either Ecuador or South Korea.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Argentina smoothly handled their 5-0 victory over New Zealand despite the absence of suspended center-back Tomas Aviles, who received two yellow cards in their win against Guatemala. However, Aviles is now back and at Mascherano's disposal.Aviles's return poses a potential challenge for Lautaro Di Lollo's position in the central defense, and Mascherano is expected to make several changes to the lineup for Wednesday's match after resting some of his key players against the Junior All Whites.
One player likely to be recalled to the starting XI is Maximo Perrone, the midfielder from Manchester City. Additionally, Ignacio Maestro Puch's goal on Friday is unlikely to earn him another start as the number nine, with Alejo Veliz being the preferred choice.
On the Nigerian side, there was a slight concern regarding midfielder Victor Eletu, who sustained an injury in their second group match against Italy. However, the young AC Milan player managed to play 58 minutes in the loss to Brazil and should be fit for the last 16.
Coach Bosso is expected to have all his players available for the crucial clash on Wednesday, with Eletu likely to partner 16-year-old Daniel Daga in the Flying Eagles' midfield double pivot.
Benjamin Fredrick is also set to make his return in the heart of the defense, as Bosso played it safe in the previous game after Fredrick received a booking in their victory over Italy.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Argentina Under-20s possible starting lineup:Gomes Gerth; Giay, Aviles, Gomez, Barco; Infantino, Perrone; Gauto, Carboni, Soule; Veliz
Nigeria Under-20s possible starting lineup:
Aniagboso; Bameyi, Fredrick, Ogwuche, Agbalaka; Eletu, Daga; Emmanuel, S. Lawal, Jude; S. F. Lawal
EXPERT PREDICTION
Argentina 3-1 Nigeria
While Javier Mascherano's squad may not have a young Messi at their disposal, similar to the Argentine team 18 years ago, their current rising stars can replicate the goal-scoring prowess of their legendary icon. This could lead to a comfortable victory for the host nation in the last-16 encounter.
