U-20 World Cup: Flying Eagles Crashed Out as Argentina Rout Nigeria 4-0

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria were handed a heavy 4-0 defeat by Argentina in the Round of 16 of the FIFA U-20 World Cup on Wednesday, ending the two-time silver medallists’ campaign abruptly.

Argentina’s Alejo Sarco set the tone early, finding the net in the second minute, before Maher Carrizo doubled the lead with a free-kick in the 23rd minute, disrupting Nigeria’s rhythm. Carrizo’s strike came after a challenge by Nigerian midfielder Nasiru Salihu at the edge of the box.

Nigeria’s appeal for a penalty following a Ramirez foul on Salihu was waved off by the referee, much to the disappointment of the Flying Eagles. Oseer Achihi, however, remained a constant attacking threat down the left flank, sending in several dangerous crosses that forced the Argentines to concede throw-ins and corners to relieve pressure.

Daniel Daga nearly reduced the deficit with a stoppage-time effort in the first half, but goalkeeper Santino Barbi made a fine save to maintain Argentina’s two-goal advantage at halftime. Carrizo struck again in the 53rd minute to make it 3-0, before second-half substitute Matheus Silvetti rounded off the scoring in the 66th minute, beating the offside trap and slotting the ball past Ebenezer Harcourt.

The defeat marks an early exit for Nigeria from this year’s U-20 World Cup, leaving the team to reflect on what might have been.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria U-17 Women’s National Team, the Flamingos, touched down safely in Morocco on Wednesday ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The squad arrived in Casablanca at 11:28 a.m. Nigeria time, where they were unexpectedly inspired by a chance encounter with former Super Eagles defender Taribo West, who urged the team to stay disciplined and represent the nation with pride.

The Flamingos have settled at the Ibis Hotel in Casablanca and will undergo light training sessions focusing on recovery, ball movement, and coordination. Drawn in Group D alongside Canada, France, and Samoa, Nigeria’s opening match is set for Sunday, October 19.

The team arrives confident, having scored 44 goals without conceding in ten preparatory matches leading up to the tournament.