Abuja, Nigeria: Nigeria’s journey at the 24th FIFA U-20 World Cup came to a crashing halt on Wednesday as six-time champions Argentina handed the Flying Eagles a 4–0 defeat in the Round of 16.
The Round of 16 match was played at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago.
Argentina’s win avenged their 2-0 loss to Nigeria at the same stage of the 2023 edition, which was hosted by them.
Alejo Sarco opened the scoring in the 2nd minute. Maher Carrizo doubled the lead in the 23rd minute with a free-kick after a foul by Nasiru Salihu on the edge of the box.
Nigeria’s appeal for a penalty was waved off after Ramirez brought down Salihu in the area.
Winger Oseer Achihi was lively, with his crosses causing trouble for the Argentine defence, who gave away several corners and throw-ins under pressure.
Daniel Daga nearly scored just before halftime, but goalkeeper Santino Barbi denied him with a fine save to keep the score at 2-0.
Carrizo scored again in the 53rd minute after another Argentine break, making it 3-0.
Substitute Matheus Silvetti added a fourth goal in the 66th minute, finishing low into the bottom right corner past goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt.
