Six-time champions Argentina have eliminated Nigeria’s Flying Eagles from the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, securing a dominant 4–0 victory in their Round of 16 clash on Wednesday evening in Santiago.
The Argentines, who were seeking revenge for their defeat to Nigeria at the same stage when they hosted the tournament two years ago, took control of the match early. Alejo Sarco opened the scoring in the second minute, before Maher Carrizo doubled the lead with a precise free-kick in the 23rd minute after Nasiru Salihu’s foul on the edge of the box.
Nigeria’s appeal for a penalty following a clumsy challenge on Salihu by Ramirez was waved off by the referee. Oseer Achihi remained a constant attacking threat from the left flank, delivering several dangerous crosses that kept the Argentine defense under pressure.
In stoppage time of the first half, Daniel Daga came close to pulling one back for Nigeria, but goalkeeper Santino Barbi made a brilliant save to preserve Argentina’s two-goal advantage at halftime.
Carrizo struck again in the 53rd minute to make it 3–0, capitalizing on a swift counterattack, while substitute Matheus Silvetti added the fourth goal in the 66th minute, bending a fine effort past Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Ebenezer Harcourt.
The result ended Nigeria’s campaign in Chile, as the two-time runners-up bowed out of the tournament in disappointing fashion.
