Argentina head coach Diego Placente has described Nigeria’s Flying Eagles as a dangerous opponent ahead of their Round of 16 clash at the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup.

The match is scheduled for Wednesday night at the Julio Martinez Pradanos National Stadium, with a quarterfinal spot at stake.

Respect for Nigeria’s counterattack

Placente, whose side won all three group-stage matches to top Group D, admitted that Nigeria’s strength lies in their pace and precision on the break.

“Playing the same way, knowing that they are very dangerous on the counterattack,” Placente told TyC Sports.

“Sometimes when you analyse, you are a little disorganised, but when a team is very long, it has its good and bad sides. You have more possession there, but every time you lose it, you suffer a lot more.”

Familiar foes

Nigeria reached the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams and will aim to repeat their 2023 feat, when they knocked Argentina out at the same stage.

Both teams head into the tie with strong motivation – Argentina looking to maintain their perfect record, and Nigeria seeking another statement win on the world stage.