The Flying Eagles fought hard and gave everything, but could not reach the semifinal of the U20 World Cup at the expense of Korea tonight.
It was a game between two teams with well-organised defences and it explained how tight this encounter was that it needed a header in extra-time off a corner by Korea to end Nigeria’s run in Argentina tonight.
Korea will now face Italy Thursday in La Plata for a place in the final of the tournament.
Nigeria, Africa’s remaining flag bearers in Argentina, carved out several chances, but they could not put them away.
In the 110th minute, substitute Emmanuel Umeh fired over the bar from the top of the box when it was easier to score.
There were also attempts by captain Daniel Bameyi in the 50th minute and the very impressive Tochukwu Nnadi in the 85th minute but none of these efforts hit the back of the net.
It was a cagey start by both teams with the Flying Eagles the more adventurous forcing a number of corners.
Early pressure was by the Nigerians with Victor Eletu driving at goal in the 29th minute in a brilliant solo run, but the goalkeeper kept out his shot for a corner.
The Flying Eagles enjoyed 69% of the possession even though the Asians exerted some pressure in the closing moments of the first period.
Flying Eagles vs Korea (4-3-3)
Aniagboso – Agbalaka, Bameyi (Skipper), Ogwuche, Frederick – Daga, Eletu (Joshua John 73), Nnadi (Samson Lawal 99) – Ibrahim Mohammed ‘Beji’ (Kehinde Ibrahim 61), Fago (Umeh 61), Jude Sunday (Ibrahim Abdullahi 99)
