Nigeria’s Flying Eagles saw their FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign come to a disappointing end after suffering a heavy 4–0 loss to Argentina in Wednesday’s Round of 16 clash.
The South Americans were dominant from start to finish, dictating play and creating the better chances throughout the encounter. Their early intent paid off almost immediately, as Alejo Sarco opened the scoring just two minutes into the match. Nigerian goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt misjudged an aerial ball, allowing Sarco to calmly slot home for Argentina’s opener.
Things went from bad to worse for Nigeria when Maher Carrizo doubled Argentina’s lead in the 23rd minute with a perfectly placed free kick that beat Harcourt at his near post. Carrizo struck again early in the second half, breaking through Nigeria’s defensive line and slotting past the stranded Harcourt to make it 3–0 in the 53rd minute.
Mateo Silvetti completed the rout in the 66th minute, weaving past Daniel Bamayi inside the box before finishing with a composed left-foot strike.
The emphatic victory was sweet revenge for the Argentines, who were knocked out by the Flying Eagles at the same stage on home soil in 2023. With this win, Argentina continue their pursuit of a record-extending seventh U-20 World Cup title and will now face Mexico in the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, it was a disappointing day for African teams overall, as reigning U-20 AFCON champions South Africa also bowed out of the tournament, losing 3–1 to Colombia in another Round of 16 fixture.
