Nigeria’s campaign at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 ended in heartbreak on Wednesday night after a crushing 4–0 defeat to Argentina in the round of 16 in Santiago.
The Flying Eagles were outplayed in every department as the South Americans showed class and composure to book their spot in the quarter-finals.
It was a tough night for Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s team, who struggled to deal with Argentina’s relentless energy and precision.
Argentina Strike Early
Argentina started the game with high intensity and took the lead within two minutes.
Alejo Sarco opened the scoring after connecting with Dylan Gorosito’s cross, leaving Nigerian goalkeeper Ebenezar Harcourt stranded.
The goal unsettled the Flying Eagles, who struggled to regain their shape and rhythm.
Argentina doubled their advantage midway through the first half when Maher Carrizo curled a brilliant free-kick into the bottom corner.
Harcourt had no chance.
Nigeria’s best moment of the first half came when Daniel Daga fired a strong volley from close range, but Argentine goalkeeper Santino Barbi pulled off a superb save to deny him.
Second-Half Dominance
The second half followed the same pattern, with Argentina dictating play.
Their pressing forced Nigeria into errors and turnovers.
In the 53rd minute, Milton Delgado robbed Daga of possession and released Carrizo, who calmly slotted home for his second goal of the night and Argentina’s third.
Thirteen minutes later, Mateo Silvetti made it 4–0.
He beat Daniel Bameyi on the right flank and curled a precise finish into the far corner to complete the humiliation.
Flying Eagles Struggle to Respond
Zubairu introduced Abduljelil Kamaldeen, Auwal Ibrahim, and Charles Agada in an attempt to change the game.
But the Flying Eagles failed to find any spark in attack.
Their best late chances came through Kparobo Arierhi and Haruna Aliyu, but both missed the target.
Argentina, in contrast, controlled possession and slowed down the tempo to see out the game comfortably.
The statistics told the full story: Argentina had more shots on goal and completed nearly twice as many passes as Nigeria.
Frustration and Missed Opportunities
Tensions flared in the second half as Nasiru Salihu and Emmanuel Ekele picked up yellow cards.
There was also a brief VAR check for a possible penalty in the first half, but the referee waved play on after review.
Despite flashes of brilliance from Daga and Hillary Maigana, Nigeria’s lack of cohesion and defensive lapses proved costly.
The defeat underlines the growing gap between Nigeria’s youth teams and the world’s football powerhouses.
A Painful End to Nigeria’s Campaign
The result marks another disappointing exit for the Flying Eagles, who were hoping to improve on their previous performances at the tournament.
Just two years after famously defeating Argentina at the 2023 edition, the tables have turned dramatically.
Argentina will now face Mexico in the quarter-finals as they continue their quest for another U-20 title.
For Nigeria, the search for a maiden FIFA U-20 World Cup trophy continues.
