The Flying Eagles trade tackles with South Korea on Sunday, and there are some players to watch out for
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria play South Korea on Sunday in one of the quarterfinal fixtures of the 2023 Under-20 World Cup in Argentina.
Nigeria already raised eyebrows earlier in the competition after defeating Italy 2-1. However, they fell to Brazil in their final group game.
Ladan Bosso’s lads were pitched against hosts Argentina in the round of 16. The South Americans were also one of the favourites of the tournament, after scoring ten goals in the group stage.
Nonetheless, the Flying Eagles triumphed 2-0, thanks to goals from Ibrahim Muhammad and Rilwanu Sarki.
Their next game is against South Korea at Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades. Ahead of the fixture, Soccernet.ng names five of the most important players for the South Korean side.
Lee Young-Jun
With two goals and one assist, Young-Jun is the biggest attacking threat that the team has. The 20-year-old striker has played in every game at the tournament, completing all 90 minutes.
He likes to get involved with play, averaging 44 touches per game. He is also never afraid to take shots, he has averaged 2.8 shots per game in the tournament so far. Young-Jun is also pacy and good with the ball at his feet. If the defense slip, the South Korean hitman would surely pounce.
Seung Won-Lee
The crafty attacking midfielder is also one of the outlets for the Asians. He has three assists and one goal in the tournament. The only game Won-Lee failed to assist was against Gambia- one of Africa’s representatives.
He has averaged 69 minutes per game at the tournament and has great passing accuracy. The 20-year-old can be called the De Bruyne of the side. He is yet to dribble anyone at the tournament, but he has the eye for the pass.
Hyeon-bin Park
Daniel Daga will have his work cut out for him on Sunday. Park is a very stubborn and combative midfielder. He is a hard worker on the pitch, and the statistics speak of how good he has been.
Park has recorded three tackles and two interceptions per game. He had played three games at the tournament.
His last performance against Ecuador was wonderful, Park registered five tackles in the game. If he produces such a performance again, it could be difficult for Nigeria to dominate.
Kim Ji-Soo
Ji-Soo has been South Korea’s best defender at the tournament so far. He has completed all the games at the tournament so far, and he would likely be on duty again on Sunday.
Ji-Soo has averaged 5.5 clearances at the World Cup. In fact, against Ecuador, he had seven. He also has a decent passing ability. He has a 63 percent accuracy for long passes, and he also does not commit a lot of fouls.
Bae Jun-Ho
Jun-Ho is another important attacker for the Asians. His best game was against Ecuador last time out. He got a goal and an assist. He is very fast on the ball, his passing is also superb.
Before the game against Ecuador, he failed to impress in the group stage. But he could take the confidence of the performance against Ecuador and put on a shown.
