The Flying Eagles of Nigeria have bowed out of the 2023 U-20 World Cup after slumping to a 1-0 defeat against the Red Devils of South Korea on Sunday.
The Flying Eagles enjoyed the earlier exchanges but failed to make them count in the quarter-final clash.
The Flying Eagles, who eliminated hosts and six-time champions Argentina in the Round of 16 on Wednesday, created few chances despite passing the ball round the field quite well, with lack of punch in the final third the undoing of the seven-time African champions.
In the second period, Nigeria looked more adventurous with defender Daniel Bameyi striking from the edge of the box, only to see his effort stopped by the goalkeeper. In added time, Emmanuel Umeh’s dazzling run ended with a shot that was also smartly held by the Korean goal-tender.
The Asian vice champions got the winner five minutes into the first period of extra time, when substitute Sun Choi met a corner kick with a glancing header, and Nigeria goalkeeper Chijioke Aniagboso was in no man’s land.
Umeh, with a great chance to equalize in the 109th minute, blazed over the bar, and in the final minute, struck the side of the net.
While the game ended barren after normal time, it only took South Korea five minutes into the extra-time to head home the lone goal of the match.
Coach Ladan Bosso’s men dominated the game, especially in the first half and the latter part of the match.
The Asians remain the only unbeaten team left in the competition. In five matches, they have won three and drawn the same number of games.
In the group stage, they defeated France 2-1 in their first tie and drew 2-2 against Honduras before a barren draw with The Gambia in the match.
The Flying Eagles will return to the country on Tuesday.
