Nigeria’s journey at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile 2025 ended in heartbreak as Argentina handed them a crushing 4–0 defeat in the round of 16 in Santiago, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The South Americans were ruthless and efficient, scoring twice in each half to seal a quarter-final berth, while the Flying Eagles struggled to match the pace and precision of Diego Placente’s side.
Alejo Sarco opened the scoring inside two minutes, tapping in from close range after Dylan Gorosito’s low cross left goalkeeper Ebenezar Harcourt exposed. The early goal rattled Aliyu Zubairu’s team, who struggled to cope with Argentina’s high pressing and fluid movement.
Maher Carrizo doubled the lead midway through the first half with a superb curling free-kick that nestled into the bottom-right corner, leaving Harcourt helpless. Nigeria’s best chance of the half came when Daniel Daga volleyed goalwards after controlling a loose ball in the box, only to be denied by an outstanding one-handed save from Santino Barbi.
Argentina maintained their dominance after the break, punishing Nigeria’s errors in midfield. In the 53rd minute, Milton Delgado dispossessed Daga near halfway and fed Carrizo, who coolly slotted home his second of the night.
Thirteen minutes later, Mateo Silvetti made it four with a composed finish after beating Daniel Bameyi and curling past Harcourt into the far corner. Despite several substitutions — including Abduljelil Kamaldeen, Auwal Ibrahim, and Charles Agada — the Flying Eagles failed to find rhythm or attacking spark.
Late efforts from Kparobo Arierhi and Haruna Aliyu offered brief hope, but both squandered good opportunities. Argentina, in contrast, managed the game with composure, dictating possession and tempo while registering more shots on target and nearly double Nigeria’s completed passes.
Nigeria’s frustration showed as Nasiru Salihu and Emmanuel Ekele were booked, while a brief VAR check for a first-half penalty was dismissed after review.
Despite flashes of promise from Daga and Maigana, defensive lapses and lack of cohesion proved costly. The heavy defeat highlighted the growing gap between Nigeria and the world’s elite — a stark contrast to their famous win over Argentina at the 2023 edition.
Argentina will now face Mexico in the quarter-finals, as Nigeria’s wait for a maiden U-20 World Cup title continues.
