Flying Eagles star Ibrahim Muhammad has dedicated his goal in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Argentina at the U-20 World Cup to President Bola Tinubu.
He scored the opening goal with Haliru Sarki adding another as Nigerians beat the host nation to reach the quarter-finals of the competition.
In his post-match conference, a joyful Ibrahim hailed his team for the feat, dedicating the game’s first strike to the new Nigerian leader.
“I feel so happy as you can see this is my first goal at the World Cup, so I’m very happy,” he said after the game.
“We were never nervous before the game, we had the confidence, and with the way football is, there’s nothing like the host country.
“And personally I dedicate my goal to our new president, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and I really appreciate my teammates for their efforts to win.”
With Wednesday’s win, Coach Ladan Bosso’s charges have now set up a tie with either Ecuador or South Korea for a place in the last four.
The win against Argentina was sweet revenge for the Nigerians who were only meeting the South Americans for the second time in the age-grade competition.
When both sides first clashed in 2005, Lionel Messi inspired the Argentines to a 2-1 win in the final of the tournament.
Nigeria will be aiming to be the second African side after Ghana to win the competition and return to the pitch on Sunday.
