Six-time champions Argentina have eliminated Nigeria from the ongoing 24th FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, delivering a resounding 4–0 victory in their Round of 16 clash in Santiago on Wednesday evening. The result avenged Argentina’s loss to the Flying Eagles at the same stage when they hosted the tournament two years ago.
Alejo Sarco opened the scoring for Argentina in just the second minute, while Maher Carrizo doubled the lead from a free-kick in the 23rd minute, following a foul by Nigerian midfielder Nasiru Salihu at the edge of the box.
Nigeria’s appeal for a penalty moments later was dismissed by the referee, despite what appeared to be a clumsy challenge by Ramirez on Salihu inside the area.
Oseer Achihi proved a constant threat on the left flank, forcing the Argentines into defensive errors and conceding throw-ins and corner kicks. However, the Flying Eagles failed to convert their chances.
In first-half stoppage time, Daniel Daga’s close-range effort was superbly denied by Argentine goalkeeper Santino Barbi, keeping the score at 2–0 heading into the break.
Carrizo struck again in the 53rd minute, completing his brace after another quick Argentine counterattack. Substitute Matheus Silvetti then compounded Nigeria’s misery, slotting home a fine finish past Ebenezer Harcourt in the 66th minute to make it 4–0.
The heavy defeat saw the Flying Eagles — two-time silver medallists — bow out of the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in disappointing fashion.
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