Nigeria’s Flying Eagles crashed out of the FIFA U-20 World Cup after suffering a 4–0 defeat to Argentina in the round of 16.
The South Americans dominated throughout, exposing Nigeria’s defensive lapses.
Nigeria’s hopes of advancing at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile came to an end after a crushing 4–0 loss to Argentina in the round of 16 on Wednesday night in Santiago.
The South Americans dominated from start to finish, scoring twice in each half to secure their place in the quarter-finals, while the Flying Eagles failed to cope with their pace and precision.
Argentina took the lead within two minutes when Alejo Sarco tapped in from close range after Dylan Gorosito’s cross caught Nigerian goalkeeper Ebenezar Harcourt out of position. The early goal unsettled Aliyu Zubairu’s team, who struggled to recover from the setback.
Their troubles deepened midway through the first half when Maher Carrizo curled in a superb free-kick from outside the box, doubling Argentina’s lead. Nigeria’s best moment came shortly before the break when Daniel Daga’s volley was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Santino Barbi to preserve the two-goal cushion.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Argentina maintaining control and punishing Nigeria’s defensive errors. In the 53rd minute, Milton Delgado intercepted a loose ball in midfield and set up Carrizo for his second goal of the match. Mateo Silvetti later completed the rout in the 66th minute with a fine solo effort that left Harcourt helpless once again.
Coach Zubairu introduced several substitutes, including Abduljelil Kamaldeen, Auwal Ibrahim, and Charles Agada, but the changes did little to improve Nigeria’s attack. Late chances fell to Kparobo Arierhi and Haruna Aliyu, but both failed to find the target.
Argentina, on the other hand, showed experience and composure, controlling possession and dictating play in the closing stages. They ended the match with superior possession, more shots on target, and almost double Nigeria’s completed passes.
Nigeria’s frustration grew as the game wore on, with Nasiru Salihu and Emmanuel Ekele both booked for rash challenges. A brief VAR review for a potential penalty in the first half also went against the Flying Eagles.
Although there were flashes of individual brilliance from Daga and Maigana, the overall team performance lacked balance and coordination. The heavy defeat highlighted the growing gap between Nigeria and the top youth teams on the global stage, just two years after their memorable win over Argentina at the 2023 edition.
Argentina will now face Mexico in the quarter-finals, while Nigeria’s elimination adds another disappointing chapter to their long pursuit of a maiden U-20 World Cup title
