Six-time champions Argentina delivered a ruthless 4–0 victory over Nigeria’s Flying Eagles on Wednesday night in Santiago, eliminating the West Africans from the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.
The emphatic win not only secured Argentina’s spot in the quarterfinals but also served as payback for their 2023 exit at the hands of Nigeria in Buenos Aires.
The result avenged Argentina’s elimination by Nigeria at the same stage two years ago, when they hosted the tournament. Alejo Sarco opened the scoring for the Argentines just two minutes into the game, setting the tone for a dominant performance.
Maher Carrizo doubled the lead with a sublime free-kick in the 23rd minute after Nasiru Salihu fouled an opponent at the edge of the box, disrupting Nigeria’s rhythm early on.
Nigeria’s appeal for a penalty was ignored despite Ramirez’s rough challenge on Salihu in the area.
Winger Oseer Achihi proved lively on the left flank, delivering dangerous crosses that kept Argentina’s defence under pressure, though they managed to clear their lines through corners and throw-ins.
Just before halftime, Daniel Daga nearly pulled one back, but goalkeeper Santino Barbi brilliantly saved his close-range strike to preserve Argentina’s 2–0 lead.
Carrizo struck again in the 53rd minute to make it three, before substitute Matheus Silvetti added a fourth in the 66th minute, curling his shot beyond goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt.
The defeat ends Nigeria’s campaign at the Round of 16, marking a disappointing exit for the two-time silver medallists.
