Eniola Olatunji Reporting 

Africa had a bad day in Chile on Wednesday night when two of their representatives, Nigeria and South Africa were booted out the world U20 Male football tournament in an embarrassing way.

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles failed to fly on an important day as Argentina trampled on them with a resounding 4-0 which is a sweet revenge of the 2-0 win Nigeria got over them last time they met. 

Argentina pulled a fast one with Alejo Sarco scoring in less than 2 minutes of play when fans were still trying to settle down on the seats and the Media room was busy debating the fortunes of the match. It was Sarco’s 4th goal of the tournament.

Midfielder Maher Carrizo got the 2nd goal from a lone strike and also made a brace in the 53rd minute from a Delegado connect before Mateo Silvetti finished it all scoring the 4th goal in the 66th minute when he collected a thorough pass from Prestianni. VAR had denied Nigeria of a penalty in the 39th minute.

This was a match that showed Nigeria did not prepare well for losing good chances and lacking skills in utilizing set pieces. Nigeria had 14-10 shots at goal but were usual aimless attempts; for only 2-6 shots were on target and bad strategy in using corner kicks to score from 8-3 advantage.

The Argentines meant business having ball possession of 53-47%; and spreading around through 414-355 passes forcing Nigeria to commit 15-13 fouls with the only two yellow cards to Nigeria.

Cover Picture shows Argentine Players signaling they have put the Flying Eagles of Nigeria to sleep after a 4-0 drubbing.

This defeat may cause cacophony of protests in Nigeria as male football is no more profitable to watch. The U17 boys will not be at the world cup; the U20 boys were not excellent in Chile and the Super Eagles may not be at the world cup back to back unless there is a miracle. 

Mexico will now meet Argentina in the quarterfinals at 9pm on Saturday in Chile’s most populated city of Santiago.

In the other Round of 16 game Colombia rose to bring down South Africa 3-1 to move on having scored the first goal in the 7th minute through Joel Morales after VAR dismissed a penalty chance to them in the 4th minute and also missed a VAR approved penalty in the 41st minute.

South African Midfielder, Mfundo Vilikazi equalized in the 51st minute from the penalty spot and Neiser Villareal ended the game with a brace scored 63rd minute and at added time of 90+6th minute.

Columbia will now face the dreaded Spanish boys on Saturday at 9pm in the 1st quarterfinal.

Later at midnight today Wednesday, Japan will try their computerized strategy against France while at the same time Paraguay will try a NO WAY act against Norway. Tomorrow Thursday at 8:30 pm USA will battle Italy and same Thursday at midnight; Africa’s Morocco will file out against South Korea of Asia.

The 3rd quarterfinals to be played at 9pm of 12th October at Rancagua will be winner of the USA vs Italy match and winner of the Morocco vs South Korea match while the 4th quarterfinal will feature winner of the Paraguay vs Norway and winner of the Japan vs France at Valparaiso at midnight.