Argentina swept past Nigeria with a commanding 4–0 victory in the Round of 16 to book their place in the FIFA U-20 World Cup quarter-finals against Mexico.
The young Albiceleste, tipped as tournament favorites, dominated from the opening whistle, showcasing the fluid passing and clinical finishing that have become their hallmark.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles struggled to impose their physicality or spark their trademark counterattacks, managing only brief spells of pressure in the first half.
Argentina wasted no time asserting control. Barely two minutes in, forward Alejo Sarco opened the scoring with a composed finish.
By the 28th minute, Maher Carrizo doubled the lead with a stunning free kick, leaving Nigeria chasing a two-goal deficit.
Carrizo struck again seven minutes into the second half before substitute Mateo Silvetti sealed an emphatic 4–0 win, punishing Nigeria’s defensive lapses for three of the goals.
Speaking after the defeat, Nigeria’s head coach Aliyu Zubairu admitted his side fell short both mentally and tactically:
“I think the early goal destabilized us. We conceded too early, and the second goal came not long after. That affected our stability and approach. I believe the boys didn’t show enough character — the fight wasn’t there when we lost the ball. We gave Argentina too much space and watched instead of reacting quickly.
“But that’s football. Sometimes it goes this way. I take full responsibility. When they win, it’s the boys. When they lose, I take the blame.”
Also read: Flying Eagles Set for Tough Group as Zubairu Eyes Glory in Chile
The result ends Nigeria’s campaign at the tournament, leaving the Flying Eagles to return home and reflect on their subpar performances.
The focus will now shift to rebuilding and preparing for the next continental qualifiers.
