Nigeria’s Flying Eagles crashed out of the FIFA U-20 World Cup after a humiliating 4–0 defeat to Argentina in the last 16 on Wednesday, Afrosport reports.
Argentina, eager to avenge their loss to Nigeria in the previous edition, made a blistering start to the contest at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos. Alejo Sarco struck just two minutes into the tie, finishing off a pass from Dylan Gorosito for his fourth goal of the tournament.
The South Americans grew stronger into the game and were rewarded with a second in the 23rd minute, when Maher Carrizo curled in a brilliant free-kick past goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt.
Nigeria showed flashes of intent and a shout for a penalty was waived off after a VAR review. Norway-based midfielder Daniel Daga had their best chance of the first half but his close-range effort was saved by Santino Barbi, while Kparobo Ariehi hit the post with a header just before halftime.
However, Albiceleste regained control after the break, and quickly ended any hopes of a comeback for the Flying Eagles. Carrizo got his second of the game and Argentina’s third in the 53rd minute, calmly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper after he was teed up by Milton Delgado.
Diego Placente’s side completed the victory with a fourth goal in the 66th minute through Mateo Silvetti, who found the bottom corner, having only been on the pitch for three minutes.
The result sends Argentina into the quarter-finals to face Mexico, who secured a 4-1 win over Chile in Valparaiso on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the defeat ended a disappointing tournament for Nigeria as the Flying Eagles wait for a maiden U-20 World Cup title goes on.
