Nigeria’s expedition came to an end following a disappointing 4-0 defeat to Argentina on Wednesday evening.
A brace from Maher Carrizo propelled the six-time world champions past the lacklustre Flying Eagles at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago.
Despite qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams, the Africans went into the fixture full of hope, buoyed by their triumph over the South Americans two years ago.
Nevertheless, that was not the case as the Argentines took a deserved lead when Alejo Sarco slid in to tap home a Dylan Gorosito cross with goalkeeper Ebenezar Harcourt caught stranded in no man’s land.
While the Nigerians were still looking to come into the game, Diego Placente’s boys doubled their advantage in the 23rd minute when Carrizo curled home a low free-kick that escaped the Flying Eagles’ defence and into the net.
The seven-time African champions tried to assert their presence in the game, but they were unable to curtail their fast-paced and tactically gifted opposition.
Before the half-time break, a chance beckoned for Danel Daga, but his close-range strike was saved brilliantly by goalkeeper Santiano Barbi.
Things got worse for Aliyu Zubairu’s team seven minutes before the hour mark when Carrizo completed his brace. Milton Delgado picked Daga’s pocket on the halfway line and played in the Man of the Match, who calmly drilled home.
Mateo Silvetti completed the rout in the 66th minute as the Young Albiceleste progressed into the last eight, where they will now face Mexico for a chance to get to the semi-final.
“I’m always going to help the team in any way I can. A forward always looks to score goals to get confidence, and today it happened for me,” two-goal hero Carrizo said after the match.
“I think we’ve played well in all the games. We were focused on ourselves, and starting tomorrow, we will think about the game against Mexico.”
It was another tale of disappointment for reigning African U20 champions South Africa, who crumbled 3-1 to Colombia in Talca.
The South Americans made a bright start, taking an early lead when Oscar Perea delivered a pinpoint cross from the left that was met at the far post by the onrushing Joel Canchimbo, who volleyed home with precision.
Amajita showed resilience and were handed a lifeline early in the second half when a heavy touch from Jordan Garcia led to Siviwe Magidigidi being brought down by the Colombian goalkeeper.
Although the initial penalty was saved, it was ordered to be retaken, and Mfundo Vilakazi made no mistake on his second attempt to level the score.
Colombia responded in style. After striking the post earlier, Neyser Villareal opened his tournament account with a stunning right-footed strike from another Perea assist to restore the lead.
He later completed his brace with a composed finish, sealing a quarter-final berth for Cesar Torres’ Coffee Growers, who will now face Spain.
