Argentina Crush Flying Eagles 4–0 to End Nigeria’s FIFA U-20 World Cup Dream in Chile

Nigeria’s campaign at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile came to a disappointing end after a dominant Argentina side thrashed the Flying Eagles 4–0 in the round of 16 on Wednesday in Santiago.

The South Americans were in ruthless form, scoring twice in each half to secure a comfortable quarter-final spot, while Nigeria struggled to match the pace, precision, and pressing intensity of Diego Placente’s team.

Argentina took the lead within two minutes when Alejo Sarco tucked home from close range after Dylan Gorosito’s low cross caught goalkeeper Ebenezar Harcourt off guard. The early goal unsettled Aliyu Zubairu’s boys, who found it difficult to recover their composure.

Midway through the first half, Maher Carrizo doubled Argentina’s lead with a beautifully struck free-kick from the edge of the box that nestled into the bottom corner, leaving Harcourt rooted to the spot.

Nigeria’s best chance of the half came through Daniel Daga, whose powerful volley forced an outstanding save from Argentina’s goalkeeper, Santino Barbi, preserving the two-goal cushion at the break.

The second half followed the same script, with Argentina dictating play and capitalizing on Nigeria’s defensive errors. In the 53rd minute, Milton Delgado dispossessed Daga in midfield before setting up Carrizo for his second goal of the night. Mateo Silvetti completed the rout 13 minutes later, beating Daniel Bameyi and curling a precise finish beyond Harcourt.

Substitutions from Zubairu—introducing Abduljelil Kamaldeen, Auwal Ibrahim, and Charles Agada—failed to change Nigeria’s fortunes. Late chances from Kparobo Arierhi and Haruna Aliyu went begging, as Argentina remained composed and in control until the final whistle.

The Flying Eagles’ frustrations boiled over with Nasiru Salihu and Emmanuel Ekele both receiving yellow cards, while a brief VAR review for a possible penalty in the first half went against Nigeria.

Despite flashes of individual brilliance from Daga and Maigana, Nigeria’s lack of defensive organization and attacking sharpness proved costly. The result underscores the growing gap between Nigeria and the world’s best at this level—just two years after their famous victory over Argentina in 2023.

Argentina will now face Mexico in the quarter-finals, while Nigeria exit the tournament still searching for their first-ever U-20 World Cup title.