The Flying Eagles of Nigeria have crashed out of the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile after suffering a disappointing 4-0 defeat to Argentina in the Round of 16, Footynaija.com reports.
Two Argentine goals on either side of the half time whistle condemned Aliyu Zubairu’s charges to a humiliating defeat at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos in Santiago.
Footynaija.com now brings you five key takeaways from the game.
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5. Early concessions prove costly for Flying Eagles
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria got off to the worst start possible out there in Santiago with Argentina taking an early lead inside only three first half minutes. Things went from bad to worse when they conceded another goal twenty minutes later. Argentina heaped further misery on the Flying Eagles with a third goal just ten minutes after the restart, effectively putting the game beyond reach.
4. Defensive horror-show from Nigeria
Defensive solidity was one of the strengths of Aliyu Zubairu’s Flying Eagles at the U-20 AFCON in Morocco earlier this year but that wasn’t the case in this tournament. After conceding four goals in the group stage, the Flying Eagles conceded another four in Santiago. From Ebenezer Harcourt’s blunder for the first goal to Daniel Daga’s misplaced pass which led to the third, Zubairu would’ve been petrified by his side’s error-strewn performance.
3. Argentina exact revenge for 2023 heartbreak
Wednesday night’s win, for Argentina, will offer more than just the satisfaction of reaching the quarterfinals of this year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup. The Albiceleste suffered a 2-0 defeat to the Flying Eagles when both nations met at the same stage of this same tournament back in 2023. With this result, they have certainly taken back their pound of flesh.
2. VAR drama in Santiago
Most of the Flying Eagles’ games in this tournament have been characterized by VAR drama and tonight’s game was not any different. Nigeria had a strong penalty shout in the first half when Salihu appeared to have been caught in the box. VAR officials advised the center referee to conduct a review of the incident and despite a lengthy check, he opted against awarding a spot kick. VAR also reviewed a possible red card incident involving Nigeria’s Emmanuel Ekele.
1. What next for Aliyu Zubairu
Following what can honestly be described as a disappointing World Cup campaign for the Flying Eagles, the natural question about what lies ahead for the entire structure crops up. Having failed to deliver continental or global success at this level, the Nigeria Football Federation must decide whether to continue with the current structure under Aliyu Zubairu’s leadership or give way to fresh ideas.
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