Flying Eagles head coach, Aliyu Zubairu, has accepted full accountability for Nigeria’s 4–0 defeat to Argentina in the Round of 16 of the FIFA U-20 World Cup on Wednesday at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos.
Maher Carrizo’s goal resulted from a challenge by midfielder Nasiru Salihu at the edge of the penalty area. An appeal for a penalty from Nigeria was dismissed by the referee, despite Ramirez’s awkward challenge on Salihu in the critical zone.
Oseer Achihi consistently posed a threat from the left flank, as his crosses into the box compelled the Argentine defense to work hard, resulting in throw-ins and corner-kicks to alleviate the pressure.
This defeat concluded Nigeria’s journey in the tournament after advancing to the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams. Following the match, Zubairu conveyed his disappointment regarding his players’ demeanor and their inability to maintain composure after conceding an early goal.
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”The early goal is part of what destabilizes us. We conceded a goal at a very early stage of the game. Even the second goal came not too far from the first goal,” Zubairu remarked. “I believe that was what disrupted our entire approach, but nonetheless, I think the boys did not exhibit a positive character.”
The coach also expressed concern over the team’s lack of urgency when out of possession, acknowledging that it permitted Argentina to control the midfield and exploit spaces with ease.
”Not really, what I think happened in the match is that the level of our fight whenever we don’t have the ball is insufficient,” he continued. “That was what provided the Argentines with opportunities, and they found ample space to maneuver. So whenever we lose the ball, we are not responding quickly.”
Despite the disappointing exit, Zubairu declined to place blame on his players. “That’s football; sometimes it unfolds this way. I accept the blame. I take the responsibilities, not the boys,” he stated.
Argentina’s victory set the stage for a quarterfinal matchup against Mexico, who defeated hosts Chile 4–1 on Friday.
