Double Blow For Africa As Nigeria, South Africa Exit FIFA U-20 World Cup In Round of 16

Double Blow For Africa As Nigeria, South Africa Exit FIFA U-20 World Cup In Round of 16 

By Admin 

It was a disappointing night for African football at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile as both Nigeria and South Africa were eliminated in the Round of 16 on Wednesday, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Flying Eagles Grounded by Ruthless Argentina

Nigeria's Flying Eagles were handed a humbling 4-0 defeat by Argentina at the Estadio Nacional in Santiago. The result not only ends Nigeria's campaign but also served as a measure of revenge for the South Americans, who were defeated 2-0 by Nigeria in their last meeting at this level.

Argentina wasted no time asserting dominance, with Alejo Sarco opening the scoring in just the 2nd minute his fourth goal of the tournament. Midfielder Maher Carrizo extended the lead with a solo effort before adding a second in the 53rd minute off a Delegado assist. Mateo Silvetti sealed the emphatic win in the 66th minute following a slick pass from Prestianni.

Nigeria’s hopes of a comeback were dashed when VAR denied a penalty appeal in the 39th minute. Despite registering more attempts (14 shots to Argentina’s 10), the Flying Eagles were wasteful in front of goal, managing only two shots on target. They also failed to capitalize on eight corner kicks, compared to Argentina's three.

Argentina controlled 53% of the possession and completed 414 passes to Nigeria's 355. The South Americans were also more disciplined, with Nigeria receiving both yellow cards in the match.

The result is likely to spark criticism back home, with fans already concerned about the state of men’s football. Nigeria failed to qualify for the U-17 World Cup, the U-20 team is now out, and the Super Eagles’ World Cup qualification hopes remain uncertain.

Argentina now advances to face Mexico in the quarterfinals on Saturday in Santiago at 9 p.m. local time.

Colombia Ends South Africa’s Dream

In another Round of 16 fixture, Colombia defeated South Africa 3-1 to advance to the quarterfinals, overcoming early VAR drama and missed opportunities.

Joel Morales opened the scoring for Colombia in the 7th minute, shortly after a 4th-minute penalty call was overturned by VAR. Despite missing another spot kick in the 41st minute, Colombia maintained their composure.

South Africa briefly leveled through Mfundo Vilikazi’s 51st-minute penalty, but Neiser Villareal scored twice once in the 63rd minute and again in added time (90+6) to secure Colombia’s place in the next round, where they will meet Spain on Saturday at 9 p.m.

Quarterfinal Lineup Taking Shape

As the Round of 16 continues, Japan faces France and Paraguay meets Norway in Wednesday’s late fixtures. On Thursday, the United States will take on Italy at 8:30 p.m., followed by Morocco, Africa’s last hope, against South Korea at midnight.

Quarterfinal matchups scheduled so far:

Quarterfinal 1: Colombia vs Spain — Saturday, 9 p.m. (Santiago)

Quarterfinal 2: Argentina vs Mexico — Saturday, 9 p.m. (Santiago)

Quarterfinal 3: Winner of USA vs Italy vs Winner of Morocco vs South Korea — October 12, 9 p.m. (Rancagua)

Quarterfinal 4: Winner of Paraguay vs Norway vs Winner of Japan vs France — October 12, Midnight (Valparaíso)