The hopes of Nigeria’s subsequent era on the worldwide stage got here crashing down in Santiago because the Flying Eagles suffered a bruising 4–0 defeat to Argentina’s nationwide under-20 soccer crew within the Spherical of 16 on the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
The South People had been ruthless, composed, and unrelenting; scoring twice in every half to cruise into the quarter-finals.
For Nigeria, it was an evening when early chaos, defensive lapses, and blunt attacking play mixed to finish their marketing campaign.
A nightmare begin
Aliyu Zubairu’s boys had been barely settled when Alejo Sarco struck contained in the opening two minutes, sliding house from shut vary after Dylan Gorosito’s low cross left goalkeeper Ebenezar Harcourt stranded.
From that second, Argentina dictated the tempo, their motion and urgent overwhelming a shaky Nigerian backline. The strain informed once more halfway by the half when Maher Carrizo’s curling free-kick from simply exterior the field nestled into the bottom-right nook, leaving Harcourt rooted to the spot.
Nigeria’s solely vivid spark of the primary half got here from Daniel Daga, who chested down a free ball and volleyed goalwards, solely to be denied by a surprising one-handed save from Santino Barbi. It was the form of second that would have modified the sport, however as a substitute, it summed up Nigeria’s night time: shut, however not sufficient.
Second-Half collapse
Any hopes of a second-half response had been rapidly extinguished. Argentina resumed with sharper transitions, exploiting areas between Nigeria’s traces. Within the 53rd minute, Milton Delgado robbed Daga in midfield and fed Carrizo, who calmly slotted previous Harcourt for his second and Argentina’s third.
13 minutes later, Mateo Silvetti added a fourth, curling house after beating Daniel Bameyi on the proper. The Flying Eagles’ defensive construction was in shambles, and Argentina punished each inch of house they had been provided.
Regardless of late adjustments from Zubairu, bringing on Abduljelil Kamaldeen, Auwal Ibrahim, and Charles Agada, Nigeria struggled to search out rhythm. Probabilities fell to Kparobo Arierhi and Haruna Aliyu late on, however each did not convert.
Self-discipline and management
As Argentina managed the sport with a maturity befitting six-time champions, Nigeria unraveled. Nasiru Salihu and Emmanuel Ekele each picked up yellow playing cards as frustration boiled over. A quick VAR examine for a possible first-half penalty for Nigeria additionally ended with the referee waving away appeals.
Statistically, the gulf was obvious: Argentina registered extra photographs on course and accomplished almost twice as many passes. Their poise in possession contrasted sharply with Nigeria’s disjointed play.
A Painful Lesson
This defeat lays naked the hole between Nigeria’s expertise and the tactical construction required to thrive on the world stage.
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The Flying Eagles have traditionally been among the many continent’s standard-bearers at U-20 stage, famously defeating Argentina two years in the past on the 2023 version. However this time, the South People got here ready, and Nigeria merely couldn’t match their depth.
Zubairu’s aspect confirmed particular person promise, notably by Daga and Maigana, however collective cohesion was lacking when it mattered most.
Argentina now advance to face Mexico’s nationwide under-20 soccer crew within the quarter-finals. For Nigeria, the journey ends in disappointment.
