The hopes of Nigeria’s next football generation were dashed in Santiago on Wednesday night as the Flying Eagles suffered a crushing 4–0 defeat to Argentina in the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
The South Americans were ruthless and composed, scoring twice in each half to cruise into the quarter-finals, while Nigeria’s campaign ended amid defensive lapses and blunt attacking play.
Aliyu Zubairu’s boys were caught cold almost immediately. Within two minutes, Alejo Sarco opened the scoring, sliding home from close range after Dylan Gorosito’s low cross left goalkeeper Ebenezar Harcourt stranded.
From then on, Argentina dictated the pace of the game. Their pressing and off-the-ball movement unsettled a shaky Nigerian defence. The pressure paid off again midway through the half when Maher Carrizo curled a free-kick into the bottom-right corner to make it 2–0.
Nigeria’s only bright spark in the first half came through Daniel Daga, who volleyed goalwards after chesting down a loose ball, only to be denied by a spectacular one-handed save from Santino Barbi.
Any hopes of a second-half comeback quickly faded. Argentina resumed with sharper transitions and punished Nigeria’s midfield errors. In the 53rd minute, Milton Delgado dispossessed Daga and set up Carrizo, who calmly slotted past Harcourt for his second of the night.
Thirteen minutes later, Mateo Silvetti made it 4–0, curling home after beating Daniel Bameyi on the right flank. The Flying Eagles’ defence crumbled as Argentina exploited every gap.
Substitutions by Zubairu bringing on Abduljelil Kamaldeen, Auwal Ibrahim, and Charles Agada—failed to turn the tide. Late chances for Kparobo Arierhi and Haruna Aliyu went begging, summing up Nigeria’s frustration.
Argentina’s control was complete. The six-time champions managed the game with calm authority as Nigeria unraveled. Nasiru Salihu and Emmanuel Ekele received yellow cards as tempers flared, while a VAR review for a Nigerian penalty was waved off.
Statistically, Argentina dominated recording more shots on target and nearly twice as many completed passes. Their tactical discipline stood in stark contrast to Nigeria’s disjointed play.
This result exposes the gap between Nigeria’s raw talent and the tactical cohesion required to compete at the highest level. The Flying Eagles, who famously beat Argentina at the 2023 edition, were thoroughly outclassed this time.
Zubairu’s side showed flashes of individual quality through Daga and Maigana, but lacked collective balance and consistency.
Argentina now advance to face Mexico in the quarter-finals, while Nigeria’s journey ends in disappointment and reflection.
