The Flying Eagles of Nigeria have been dumped out of the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup after a 4-0 loss to Argentina in the round of 16, Soccernet.ng reports.
Coach Aliyu Zubairu and his Flying Eagles locked horns with the Albiceleste at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos in Chile on Wednesday night.
Going into the game, Argentina were the favourites, as they were flawless throughout the group stages. Nigeria, on the other hand, had recent history behind them, as they knocked out the Albiceleste in this same stage at the last edition two years ago.
However, the Flying Eagles were not prepared for what hit them. The Albiceleste looked good from the blast of the whistle, and looked dangerous whenever they had the ball.
It took them just two minutes to score the opener, courtesy of a strike from Alejo Sarco. After going a goal down, Nigeria started playing a bit better, but they failed to create any meaningful opportunity.
Argentina, who managed to keep the Flying Eagles at arms length, got their second goal in the 23rd minute.
Nasiru Salihu committed a foul just in front of Nigeria's area, giving the Albiceleste a good chance. Maher Carrizo took charge of the responsibility and dispatched his set piece with aplomb to make it 2-0.
Zubairu's lads first serious sniff at goal came in the 31st minute, when Tahir Maigana got a one-on-one opportunity with the Argentina goalie Santino Barbi. But his effort was saved.
Then, just before halftime, they got another big opportunity with Daniel Daga. He got the ball of a corner and had just the goal keeper to beat. But he failed to finish the opportunity, as the goalkeeper made a stunning maintain the scoreline.
The Flying Eagles started the second half with a lot of fire, pressing the Albiceleste back. But the Diego Placente-trained team were solid and well organized. Zubairu's plan was to play a highline, and they paid dearly for that.
After Daga lost the ball in midfield during a build-up, Milton Delgado played a fine pass to find Carrizo running through on goal. With no one marking him, he sprinted into the box and struck a low shot into the bottom-left corner, to make it 3-0.
That goal evidently killed any zeal left in the Flying Eagles players. Then, in the 66th minute, Argentina made it 4-0, courtesy of a cold-blooded finish from Mateo Silvetti.
Argentine art #U20WC pic.twitter.com/Pk9t3P3ZEb
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 8, 2025
It could have easily been five, but for Ebenezer Harcourt's great save to deny Silvetti in the 87th minute.
Argentina cruise into the final eight! ✈️#U20WC | #LegendsInTheMaking
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 8, 2025
After 90 minutes, it ended 4-0 in favour of the Albiceleste of Argentina. They will now take on Mexico in the quarterfinals.
But for Aliyu Zubairu and his boys, it is the end of the road for them.
Nigeria's Flying Eagles vs Argentina Highlights
Argentina Nigeria#U20WC pic.twitter.com/HaKXffRdLn
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 8, 2025
