Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have crashed out of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup after suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to Argentina in Wednesday’s round of 16 clash.
The result served as sweet revenge for the South Americans, who were eliminated by Nigeria at the same stage of the 2023 edition on home soil.
Argentina opened the scoring just two minutes into the encounter when Alejo Sarco capitalized on goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt’s error to slot home.
Maher Carrizo doubled the advantage in the 23rd minute with a brilliant free-kick that beat Harcourt at his near post. The midfielder then grabbed his brace in the 53rd minute, breaking the offside trap before calmly finishing past the stranded Nigerian keeper.
Mateo Silvetti put the icing on the cake in the 66th minute, dribbling past Daniel Bamayi inside the box before firing home a low left-footed strike.
With the win, Argentina advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face Mexico as they continue their pursuit of a record-extending seventh U-20 World Cup title.
Meanwhile, Africa’s other representative, South Africa reigning U-20 AFCON champions were also knocked out after a 3-1 loss to Colombia in another round of 16 match played on Wednesday.
