Argentina players celebrating their victory against Nigeria
Argentina handed Nigeria a heavy 4-0 defeat on Wednesday, knocking the Flying Eagles out of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
The Round of 16 clash took place at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago, where the South Americans – six-time champions of the tournament – delivered a commanding performance to avenge their 2-0 loss to Nigeria at the same stage of the 2023 edition, which they hosted.
Argentina came flying out of the gates, with Alejo Sarco putting them ahead in just the 2nd minute. Maher Carrizo extended the lead in the 23rd minute, curling in a free-kick after Nasiru Salihu committed a foul near the edge of the box.
Nigeria had a brief moment of hope when Salihu was brought down in the box by Ramirez, but their penalty appeal was waved away by the referee.
Oseer Achihi remained one of Nigeria’s bright sparks, his relentless crosses testing the Argentine backline and forcing multiple corners and throw-ins.
The Flying Eagles almost pulled one back before the break when Daniel Daga’s strike was parried away by goalkeeper Santino Barbi, keeping the score at 2-0 heading into halftime.
Carrizo struck again in the 53rd minute, capitalizing on a swift Argentine counterattack to make it 3-0.
Substitute Matheus Silvetti sealed the rout in the 66th minute, slotting a low shot into the bottom right corner past Nigerian goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt.
The result brings Nigeria’s campaign to an early end. The Flying Eagles, who have twice finished as runners-up in the competition, will now turn their attention to rebuilding for future tournaments.
