Six-time champions Argentina on Wednesday cruised past Nigeria’s Flying Eagles with a commanding 4–0 victory to advance to the quarter-finals of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
The Round of 16 encounter was played at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago. The result saw Argentina avenge their 2–0 defeat to Nigeria at the same stage of the 2023 edition, which they hosted.
Argentina made an explosive start, with Alejo Sarco opening the scoring in the 2nd minute. Maher Carrizo doubled the lead in the 23rd minute with a superb free-kick after a foul by Nasiru Salihu on the edge of the box.
Nigeria’s appeal for a penalty was dismissed after Ramirez brought down Salihu in the area.
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Despite the scoreline, winger Oseer Achihi was a constant threat for the Flying Eagles, with his crosses putting the Argentine defence under pressure and forcing several corners.
Daniel Daga came close to pulling one back before half-time, but goalkeeper Santino Barbi produced a fine save to preserve Argentina’s two-goal advantage.
Carrizo extended the lead in the 53rd minute following another swift counter-attack, before substitute Matheus Silvetti sealed the win with a low strike into the bottom right corner in the 66th minute.
The defeat ends Nigeria’s campaign in Chile. The Flying Eagles, two-time runners-up at the tournament, will now return home after failing to progress beyond the Round of 16.
