Argentina handed Nigeria a crushing 4–0 defeat on Wednesday night to send the Flying Eagles crashing out of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
The Round of 16 clash, held at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago, saw the six-time world champions dominate from start to finish, sealing their revenge for the 2–0 loss they suffered against Nigeria in the same stage of the 2023 edition.
Alejo Sarco wasted no time setting the tone, finding the net barely two minutes into the encounter. Maher Carrizo doubled Argentina’s advantage in the 23rd minute with a stunning free-kick after Nasiru Salihu’s foul on the edge of the box.
The Flying Eagles had a brief moment of hope when Salihu appeared to be fouled by goalkeeper Ramirez in the Argentine box, but their penalty appeal was waved away by the referee.
Winger Oseer Achihi provided Nigeria’s brightest spark, tormenting Argentina’s backline with dangerous crosses and forcing several corner kicks. Daniel Daga almost pulled one back just before halftime, but Argentina’s shot-stopper, Santino Barbi, produced a sharp save to deny him.
Carrizo completed his brace in the 53rd minute, punishing Nigeria’s high defensive line with a clinical finish. Substitute Matheus Silvetti then sealed the rout in the 66th minute, slotting home a low drive past Ebenezer Harcourt.
The defeat ends Nigeria’s campaign in Chile, marking another painful chapter for the seven-time African champions, who have finished as runners-up twice in the history of the tournament.
Argentina, meanwhile, march confidently into the quarterfinals, reasserting their dominance on the global youth stage.
