By Mark Ogagan
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles were sent packing from the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile when they lost 4-0 to Argentina in a Round of 16 fixture at the Estadio Nacional Stadium, Santiago on Wednesday.
The crushing defeat ended Nigeria’s campaign in a tournament that saw the West Africans finish twice as runners-up.
Argentina’s win avenged their 2-0 loss to Nigeria at the same stage of the 2023 edition, which they hosted.
Diego Placente’s team have now reached the last eight thanks to goals from Alejo Sarco, Maher Carrizo (brace) and Mateo Silvetti.
Also on Wednesday night, South Africa’s Amajita were eliminated from the tournament after losing 3-1 to Colombia in a last 16 encounter decided at Estadio Fiscal, Talca.
Colombia led 1-0 at the break, thanks to a cool finish by Joel Canchimbo.
A super charged second half saw the Amajita leveling scores when Mfundo Vilakazi converted a penalty kick.
But Colombia came back stronger, and duly regained the lead through Villarreal, and nailed the game in stoppage time with the same player netting his brace.
Colombia will square up against Spain in the quarter-finals on Saturday, while Argentina battles Mexico.
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