Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has accepted full accountability for Nigeria’s humiliating 4–0 defeat to Argentina within the Spherical of 16 of the continuing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, describing the early objective conceded because the turning level that utterly derailed his workforce’s plan.
The Flying Eagles got here into the match with excessive hopes of securing a quarterfinal berth however had been undone by a disastrous begin. Barely 65 seconds into the sport, Argentina’s Alejo Sarco pounced on a low cross to place his workforce forward — the quickest objective of the match. From that second, Nigeria by no means actually recovered.
Talking after the sport, a visibly dejected Zubairu admitted that the early objective “shattered” the workforce’s rhythm. “That objective destabilized us,” he stated. “We went into the sport with a particular plan, however as soon as we conceded so early, the boys misplaced confidence and struggled to search out their footing.”
Argentina doubled their lead halfway via the primary half with a shocking free kick from Maher Carrizo, earlier than Carrizo added one other within the second half. Mateo Silvetti sealed the rout with a curling end within the 66th minute to finish Nigeria’s distress.
Zubairu, who has confronted growing criticism over the workforce’s tactical self-discipline, didn’t draw back from accountability. “I take full blame for the defeat,” he declared. “As the top coach, it’s my obligation to arrange the workforce. We didn’t present sufficient struggle, and I have to settle for that the opponents had been higher on the day.”
The coach acknowledged that whereas the loss was painful, it should function a studying curve. “We have to return, assessment our errors, and rebuild,” he stated. “Nigerian soccer should rediscover its edge at youth stage.”
