In a commanding performance at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago, Chile, six-time champions Argentina secured a decisive 4-0 victory over Nigeria’s Flying Eagles in the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup. The match, played on Wednesday, saw Argentina dominate from the outset, eliminating Nigeria from the tournament and avenging a 2-0 defeat they suffered at the hands of the Flying Eagles at the same stage in the 2023 edition, which Argentina hosted. This emphatic win showcased Argentina’s attacking prowess, defensive resilience, and clinical finishing, as they outclassed a Nigerian side that struggled to convert their moments of promise into tangible results.
The tone of the match was set early, with Argentina wasting no time in asserting their dominance. Just two minutes into the game, Alejo Sarco opened the scoring with a well-taken goal that caught Nigeria’s defense off guard. The early strike energized the Argentine side and put the Flying Eagles on the back foot, forcing them to chase the game almost immediately. Sarco’s goal was a testament to Argentina’s quick ball movement and incisive attacking play, as they capitalized on a defensive lapse to take the lead.
As the first half progressed, Argentina continued to press their advantage. In the 23rd minute, Maher Carrizo doubled the lead with a brilliantly executed free-kick. The set-piece opportunity arose after a foul by Nigeria’s Nasiru Salihu on the edge of the penalty area, which handed Argentina a chance to showcase their dead-ball expertise. Carrizo stepped up and curled a precise shot past the Nigerian wall and beyond the reach of goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, making it 2-0. The goal highlighted Argentina’s ability to punish defensive errors and their composure in high-pressure situations.
Nigeria, however, showed flashes of resilience despite the early setbacks. The Flying Eagles, known for their pace and flair, attempted to claw their way back into the contest. Winger Oseer Achihi was a standout performer for Nigeria, consistently troubling the Argentine defense with his dangerous crosses and relentless runs down the flank. His deliveries into the box created moments of unease for Argentina, resulting in several corners and throw-ins as the South American side struggled to contain Nigeria’s wide play. Achihi’s energy and creativity kept Nigeria in the game, offering hope that they could mount a comeback.
A pivotal moment in the match came when Nigeria appealed for a penalty after Nasiru Salihu was brought down inside the penalty area by an Argentine defender, identified as Ramirez. The Nigerian players and coaching staff were adamant that a foul had occurred, but the referee waved off the appeals, much to the frustration of the Flying Eagles. The decision proved to be a turning point, as it denied Nigeria a chance to reduce the deficit and shift the momentum in their favor. Instead, Argentina maintained their two-goal cushion and continued to dictate the tempo of the game.
Just before halftime, Nigeria came close to pulling one back through midfielder Daniel Daga. The talented youngster found himself in a promising position and unleashed a powerful shot, but Argentina’s goalkeeper, Santino Barbi, produced a fine save to preserve his team’s 2-0 lead. Barbi’s heroics in goal underscored Argentina’s defensive solidity, as they went into the break with a comfortable advantage and a clean sheet intact.
The second half saw Argentina pick up where they left off, with their attacking intent undiminished. In the 53rd minute, Maher Carrizo struck again, scoring his second goal of the match to make it 3-0. The goal came from a swift Argentine counterattack, with Carrizo latching onto a precise through ball before finishing with composure. His brace was a reward for his tireless work rate and clinical finishing, further cementing Argentina’s dominance. Nigeria’s defense, which had shown promise in patches, struggled to cope with Argentina’s relentless attacking waves.
The final nail in Nigeria’s coffin came in the 66th minute when substitute Matheus Silvetti added a fourth goal for Argentina. Silvetti, who had come off the bench to inject fresh energy into the Argentine attack, finished low into the bottom right corner, leaving goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt with no chance. The goal was a product of Argentina’s fluid attacking play, with Silvetti showcasing his composure and precision in front of goal. At 4-0, the match was effectively out of Nigeria’s reach, and Argentina began to manage the game with confidence, knowing their place in the quarterfinals was all but secured.
For Nigeria, the 4-0 defeat marked the end of their 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign in Chile. The Flying Eagles, who have a storied history in the tournament as two-time runners-up, were unable to replicate their heroics from the 2023 edition, where they stunned Argentina on their home soil. Despite moments of promise, particularly through the efforts of Oseer Achihi and Daniel Daga, Nigeria lacked the cutting edge needed to break down a well-organized Argentine side. The early goals they conceded set the tone for a difficult match, and their inability to convert key opportunities, coupled with the controversial penalty decision, left them with an uphill battle they could not overcome.
Argentina’s victory was a statement of intent, as the six-time champions demonstrated why they are one of the most successful teams in the history of the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Their blend of attacking flair, set-piece proficiency, and defensive resilience made them a formidable force, and their performance against Nigeria served as a warning to their upcoming opponents in the tournament. Alejo Sarco’s early strike, Maher Carrizo’s brace, and Matheus Silvetti’s composed finish highlighted the depth and quality within the Argentine squad, while Santino Barbi’s crucial save ensured they maintained control throughout the match.
The match at Estadio Nacional was a showcase of Argentina’s superiority, but it also underscored the challenges faced by Nigeria in their quest to compete at the highest level. The Flying Eagles’ campaign may have ended in disappointment, but their spirited performance, particularly in the first half, showed glimpses of the potential within the squad. For Argentina, the victory was not only a step toward another potential title but also a moment of redemption after their 2023 loss to Nigeria. As the tournament progresses, Argentina will look to build on this performance, while Nigeria will return home to regroup and prepare for future challenges on the global stage.
In conclusion, Argentina’s 4-0 triumph over Nigeria was a comprehensive display of their quality and determination. The match highlighted the individual brilliance of players like Carrizo and Sarco, as well as the team’s collective strength. For Nigeria, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, but their efforts, particularly from players like Achihi, offered hope for the future. As the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup continues, Argentina marches on with confidence, while Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will reflect on what might have been in a tournament that promised so much but ultimately ended in heartbreak.
