Flying Eagles fall 4–0 as Argentina storm into U-20 W’Cup quarterfinals

Argentina showcased their dominance on Wednesday with a commanding 4–0 victory over Nigeria’s Flying Eagles in their U-20 World Cup knockout clash, sealing a smooth passage to the next round of the tournament.

The South American powerhouse wasted no time asserting control, as Alejo Sarco opened the scoring just two minutes into the match, finishing off a precise cross from Dylan Gorosito. The pressure continued to mount, and Maher Carrizo doubled Argentina’s advantage in the 23rd minute with a spectacular left-footed free-kick that left the Nigerian goalkeeper rooted to the spot.

Carrizo struck again shortly after the restart, calmly finishing in the 53rd minute to make it 3–0, before Mateo Silvetti sealed the emphatic victory with a composed low effort in the 66th minute, following excellent buildup play from Gianluca Prestianni.

The result sends Argentina into the next round in commanding fashion, while Nigeria’s Flying Eagles bow out of the tournament after a disappointing defensive display.

The Flying Eagles huffed and puffed but rarely threatened the match rhythm. Daniel Daga saw a close-range effort saved before half-time, and Kparobo Arierhi rattled the post in stoppage time of the first half.

But none of their attacks could find a way past Argentina’s goalkeeper Santino Barbi or break down a disciplined defensive unit.

Meanwhile, Ebenezer Harcourt produced several important saves to limit the damage early on.

Tactical changes came early in the second half as Nigeria’s coach shuffled his pack, introducing Auwal Ibrahim, Abduljelil Kamaldeen, Emmanuel Ekele and Charles Agada in a bid to spark a revival, but Argentina’s control of the midfield and clinical finishing rendered the substitutions ineffective.