Five-time winners the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria have been pitted against reigning European U17 champions Holland in the Round of 16 at the 2019 FIFA U17 World Cup in Brazil with the tie to be played on 5 November.
Having finished as Group B winners, the Golden Eaglets were due to face one of the four best third-placed teams in the knockout round for a place in the quarterfinal.
They will now have to navigate past Holland at the Estadio Olympico, Goiania after the European champions finished in third place behind Japan and Senegal in Group D to claim one of the four slots.
The winner of the tie will face one of Argentina or Paraguay on 10 November in the quarterfinal which will be played at the Estádio Estadual Kléber José de Andrade, in Cariacica.
The Dutch team managed by Kees van Wonderen lost 3-0 to Japan and 3-1 to Senegal before trouncing the USA 4-0 in the group stage.
It appears, on the surface, a favourable draw for the Manu Garba led Golden Eaglets at a familiar stadium against a team making only their fourth-ever appearance at this level and a first since 2011 although they did manage a third-place finish in 2005.
Nigeria’s defensive frailties, however, present a real worry after the team had to come from behind to defeat Hungary and Ecuador in their opening two games before running out of steam in the 2-1 defeat to Australia in their final group game.
The Golden Eaglets are looking to add a record-extending sixth title at this level following triumphs in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 with Manu Garba at the helm and most recently in 2015.
Round of 16 Fixtures
Tuesday, 5 November
- Angola vs Korea Republic – 8.30pm
- Nigeria vs The Netherlands – 12am
Wednesday, 6 November
- Japan vs Mexico – 8.30pm
- Spain vs Senegal – 8.30 pm
- Brazil vs Chile – 12am
- France vs Australia – 12am
Thursday, 8 November
- Ecuador vs Italy – 8.30pm
- Paraguay vs Argentina – 12am
