By IBRAHIM T. LOT
Three of Africa’s four representatives — Nigeria, Morocco and South Africa — have qualified for the Round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, after an eventful conclusion to the group stage on Sunday night.
Only Egypt narrowly missed out, despite defeating hosts Chile 2-1 in Santiago.
Morocco, the continent’s standout team so far, topped Group C with two impressive victories against Spain and Brazil, before suffering a narrow defeat to Mexico.
The Atlas Cubs will now face Korea Republic in Rancagua tomorrow, 9 October, with the winner set to meet either Italy or the USA in the quarter-finals.
Nigeria advanced as one of the best third-placed teams after battling to a 1-1 draw with Colombia in Talca.
The Flying Eagles had earlier edged Saudi Arabia 3-2 in a dramatic group encounter and now face Argentina in Santiago — a repeat of their memorable past meetings at youth level.
Coach Aliyu Zubairu praised his players’ resilience, expressing confidence in their ability to go further in the competition.
“It wasn’t easy but we stood our ground and were proactive. We knew they are physically strong and good on the ball, so we tried to deny them passing lanes. All we wanted was to qualify for the next round,” he said.
For South Africa, the tournament has been a breakthrough campaign. The Amajita, reigning African U-20 champions, sealed their last-16 place with a 2-1 win over the USA — their second victory after hammering New Caledonia 5-0.
The result earned them a tough clash against Colombia today, 8 October, in Talca.
Coach Raymond Mdaka commended his team’s impressive run, saying: “The players have shown great maturity and hunger to compete at this level. We believe we can go further if we remain disciplined and take our chances.”
While Morocco’s tactical discipline, Nigeria’s fighting spirit, and South Africa’s attacking flair have given the continent much to celebrate, Egypt’s elimination came as a cruel blow.
Despite their victory over Chile, the Young Pharaohs were edged out due to an inferior fair-play record — finishing level on points but with more yellow cards than the hosts.
The collective performance of Africa’s teams has reignited optimism about the continent’s growing strength in world youth football, as all three remaining sides aim to emulate Ghana’s historic 2009 U-20 World Cup triumph.
As the knockout fixtures unfold, Morocco take on Korea Republic, Nigeria battle Argentina, and South Africa face Colombia — three encounters that could further underline Africa’s rising football pedigree on the global stage.
S’Eagles arrive Polokwane ahead crucial W’Cup qualifier against Lesotho
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have arrived in Polokwane, South Africa, as preparations intensify for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho scheduled for Friday.
Head Coach, Eric Chelle, and his technical crew settled into The Ranch Hotel early Monday, as players arrived from their club bases across Europe and Asia through Johannesburg.
Training commenced on Tuesday morning at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, which will also host Friday’s decisive Group C encounter.
However, the Nigerian camp has been hit by injury concerns. Bundesliga club Werder Bremen confirmed that their player, a former Germany youth international, is set to be sidelined for several months following an ankle injury sustained recently.
Nigeria’s first-choice right-back, Ola Aina, is also out until December, having picked up an injury during the last international window.
In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi, who only recently returned from a long injury layoff, endured a difficult outing for Galatasaray, losing possession that led to an equaliser in the Istanbul derby. The Leicester City midfielder remains under close medical assessment to determine his readiness for Friday’s match.
Despite the setbacks, Nigeria’s attacking options remain formidable. Victor Osimhen continues to regain top form following his injury return, having netted the winner against Liverpool in midweek Champions League action.
The prolific striker also featured prominently as Galatasaray battled to a 1-1 draw with Besiktas.
New invitee Akor Adams made the headlines in Spain, scoring Sevilla’s fourth goal in their emphatic 4-1 victory over Barcelona, a result that ended the Catalan side’s 15-game unbeaten run. Chidera Ejuke provided the assist for Adams’ goal, further highlighting Nigeria’s attacking depth.
Chelle’s main concern, however, lies in player discipline. No fewer than 11 players, including Ajayi, Bassey, Iwobi, Ndidi, Lookman and Nwabali, are carrying yellow cards and risk suspension. Another booking would rule them out of next week’s final group game against Benin Republic in Uyo.
Nigeria currently occupy third place in Group C with 11 points, three behind leaders Benin and South Africa.
Their qualification hopes received a timely boost after CAF overturned South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho, ruling that Bafana Bafana had fielded an ineligible player.
The verdict means the result has been changed to a 3-0 defeat for South Africa — a twist that could tilt the group in Nigeria’s favour.
For Coach Chelle, the week-long camp in Polokwane is crucial for finding a balance between confidence and caution as the Super Eagles continue their pursuit of a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Soccernet.ng