In Santiago, Argentina’s U20 team reminded the world why they are six-time champions, delivering a masterclass performance to dismantle Nigeria’s Flying Eagles 4–0 and storm into the quarter-finals of the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.
From the opening whistle, the South Americans looked untouchable. Barely two minutes in, Alejo Sarco struck with a sharp finish that instantly put Argentina in control and set the stage for what would become a long evening for Nigeria.
By the 23rd minute, things went from bad to worse for the Flying Eagles. After Nasiru Salihu conceded a foul on the edge of the box, Maher Carrizo stepped up and curled a sensational free-kick beyond Nigerian goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt a moment of pure class that silenced any hopes of an early comeback.
Nigeria, however, did show glimpses of fight. In the 31st minute, Tahir Maigana found himself one-on-one with Argentine keeper Santino Barbi, but Barbi stood tall to keep his clean sheet intact. Just before the break, Daniel Daga came agonizingly close, forcing another smart save that summed up Nigeria’s frustrating evening.
Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s halftime talk seemed to spark a reaction. The Flying Eagles emerged for the second half pressing high and chasing the game, but their bold approach left gaps at the back gaps Argentina were only too happy to exploit.
Ten minutes after the restart, Carrizo punished a loose pass in midfield to grab his second of the night and Argentina’s third. The contest was effectively over.
Substitute Mateo Silvetti then put the final nail in the coffin in the 66th minute, cutting inside and drilling a low strike into the bottom corner. Harcourt later denied him a brace with an excellent late save, but the damage was long done.
For Nigeria, the result marks the end of their World Cup journey in the Round of 16 a tough exit for a team that had shown promise earlier in the tournament. For Argentina, however, the story continues. The Albiceleste march into the last eight with momentum on their side and a sense of poetic revenge: their next opponent is Mexico, the team that eliminated Nigeria at this very stage two years ago.
It’s safe to say Argentina have arrived, and they look every bit the title contenders once again.
