Stakes are high for Argentina and Nigeria


Tomorrows football encounter Argentina and Nigeria will battle for a semi-final spot. The Africans have been in tremendous form throughout the tournament and will be looking to continue their successful run.Argentina's U-17s will be aiming for similar success. Standing in their way, however, is Nigeria, who has already won two FIFA U-17 World Cups, is currently African champions and is yet to drop a point here in Korea. The stage is set for a gigantic battle.


The past
This will be the fourth time that Argentina and Nigeria face off at a FIFA U-17 World Cup, and the rewards have been shared thus far. In 1989, the teams played out a goalless draw, in 1993 Nigeria ran out 4-0 winners while Argentina got their own back with a 1-0 win in 2003. The Africans are the only team in the competition to have won every game so far, and in five-goal striker Macauley Chrisantus, they have the tournament's leading scorer.


Miguel Tojo, Argentina coach said:

We're happy to have reached the quarter-final but we still need to change a few things and be a little less pedestrian in our play. We will have to be on top of our game physically since Nigeria's game is based on strength. It will be a totally different match to the ones we've played up until now, and that's what we're preparing for.

Yemi Tella, Nigeria coach said:

We only managed two goals against Colombia, but we once again showed how strong we are. Against Argentina, it will be a totally different match, but with God's help we'll be hoping for the same result.