The Korean U20 team won their Round of 16 game against Ecuador 3-2, setting up a highly anticipated quarter-final match against Nigeria.
Nigeria, who are two-time silver medalists and seven-time African champions, are now considered favourites to win the tournament after their impressive defeat of Argentina.
The Nigerian team’s head coach, Isah Ladan Bosso, said that his team has been focusing on taking one game at a time, which has been their pre-tournament philosophy. Bosso had previously coached the Flying Eagles to the quarter-finals of the FIFA U20 World Cup in Canada 16 years ago.
“We are delighted to have executed a perfect game plan against Argentina. Our strategy and tactics worked out, and the boys worked very hard. Now, we have to concentrate on what to expect from the Koreans. We have been watching their games at this championship, and we have a good idea how to prepare for them.
“Again, the boys must work hard and carry out our plan on match day. We have the playing personnel to do the job and I am positive we will cross the Korean hurdle.”
In 2007, Bosso coached the Nigerian U20 team in Canada, where they defeated Costa Rica and Scotland and drew with Japan to advance to the Round of 16. They then beat Zambia 2-1 in Ottawa to set up a quarter-final match against Chile in Montreal.
The team, led by captain Nduka Ozokwo, played well against Chile for 90 minutes but lost in extra time. Bosso is aware of the potential danger of the quarter-final match and is determined not to make the same mistake this time.
“It is a new day, a new championship, a new city, and a new team. Nigeria has been in the final of this same competition on two previous occasions. Our objective is to at least match that feat. Once we’re in the final, anything can happen.”
The quarter-final match between Nigeria and Korea is set to take place at the Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades in Santiago del Estero on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Nigeria time.
