Flying Eagles head coach, Aliyu Zubairu, has highlighted 5 key causes behind Nigeria’s 4–0 loss to Argentina within the Spherical of 16 on the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.
The defeat on the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago ended Nigeria’s hopes of repeating their well-known 2–0 victory over Argentina on the identical stage of the 2023 version.
Reflecting on the match, Zubairu admitted that his group misplaced their tactical form early after conceding two fast targets, which destroyed their confidence and disrupted their recreation plan.
“I feel the early purpose was a part of what destabilised us. We conceded very early, and the second purpose got here not too lengthy after. That was what triggered the instability in our strategy,” he mentioned.
The coach additionally criticised his gamers’ psychological perspective, saying they failed to indicate the suitable preventing spirit anticipated in a knockout recreation.
“I feel the boys didn’t show a constructive character,” he admitted.
Zubairu additional defined that the group’s lack of depth when out of possession allowed Argentina an excessive amount of house to regulate the sport and create probabilities.
“After we don’t have the ball, our effort to win it again was not ok. That gave the Argentines room to function. Every time we misplaced the ball, we didn’t struggle again shortly,” he added.
From his remarks, the 5 essential points behind the defeat had been:
- Early targets conceded,
- Instability in tactical strategy,
- Lack of character,
- Poor off-ball work fee, and
- Gradual restoration after shedding possession.
Regardless of the disappointing end result, Zubairu took full accountability for the loss.
“That’s soccer; generally it occurs. I take the blame, not the gamers. After they win, they win; once they lose, I take accountability,” he concluded.
The end result means Argentina progress to the quarter-finals, whereas Nigeria exit the event.
