Nigeria’s journey at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025 came to a disappointing end after a 4–0 defeat to Argentina in the round of 16 in Santiago.
The South Americans delivered a dominant performance, scoring twice in each half to secure a quarter-final berth, while Nigeria struggled to match the intensity of Diego Placente’s side.
Alejo Sarco opened the scoring just two minutes in, slotting home from Dylan Gorosito’s cross after goalkeeper Ebenezar Harcourt was caught off guard. Argentina doubled their lead midway through the first half when Maher Carrizo curled a precise free-kick into the bottom corner.
Although Nigeria nearly reduced the deficit before halftime through Daniel Daga’s volley, goalkeeper Santino Barbi produced a superb one-handed save to keep the scoreline intact.
Argentina maintained control after the break, capitalizing on Nigeria’s midfield errors. In the 53rd minute, Milton Delgado dispossessed Daga and set up Carrizo for his second goal. Thirteen minutes later, Mateo Silvetti outpaced Daniel Bameyi and curled in Argentina’s fourth.
Substitutions from coach Aliyu Zubairu, including Abduljelil Kamaldeen, Auwal Ibrahim, and Charles Agada, failed to spark a comeback. Late opportunities for Kparobo Arierhi and Haruna Aliyu went unconverted.
Argentina dominated possession, created more chances, and completed nearly twice as many passes as Nigeria. The Flying Eagles also saw Nasiru Salihu and Emmanuel Ekele booked in a frustrating second half. A VAR check for a potential penalty in the first half ended with no decision in Nigeria’s favor.
Despite some promising moments from Daga and Maigana, defensive lapses and lack of cohesion proved decisive. Two years after their famous victory over Argentina in 2023, Nigeria fell short against a more clinical opponent.
Argentina will face Mexico in the quarter-finals, while Nigeria’s elimination extends their wait for a first U-20 world title.
