U-20 World Cup: Argentina Lead 2–0 as Flying Eagles Struggle for Form at Halftime

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles face an uphill battle after going into halftime 2–0 down against hosts Argentina in their Round of 16 clash at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.

Argentina wasted no time asserting dominance, scoring just two minutes into the game. Alejo Sarco opened the scoring with a tidy left-footed finish after a precise pass from Dylan Gorosito, leaving the Nigerian defense stunned.

The Flying Eagles responded with brief attacking spells, coming close in the 11th minute when Israel Ayuma’s header from a Salihu Nasiru corner narrowly missed the target.

However, their hopes took another blow in the 23rd minute when Maher Carrizo doubled Argentina’s lead with a brilliantly executed free kick that curled into the bottom right corner, exposing Nigeria’s vulnerability on set pieces.

The match grew increasingly physical as Nigeria’s Daniel Daga, Amos Ochoche, and Salihu Nasiru battled to reclaim control in midfield. Nasiru’s aggression earned him a yellow card in the 33rd minute following a clumsy challenge.

Argentina also suffered a setback when Álvaro Montoro limped off injured in the 38th minute, replaced by Gianluca Prestianni. Earlier, Carrizo had required brief medical attention but continued playing.

Nigeria had a few chances to halve the deficit — Tahir Maigana’s 30th-minute effort was saved by goalkeeper Santino Barbi, while another attempt in the 37th minute flew over the bar.

Controversy struck in the 39th minute when Nigeria appealed for a penalty following a challenge in the box. After a lengthy VAR review, the referee waved play on, ruling “No Penalty,” to the visible frustration of the Flying Eagles.

Despite flashes of attacking intent, Nigeria were largely second-best, with Argentina dominating possession and dictating tempo through Carrizo and Valentino Acuña’s midfield control.

As the teams headed to the tunnel, coach Ladan Bosso faced the challenge of inspiring a comeback, with his side needing urgency, creativity, and precision to overturn the two-goal deficit in the second half.