Lack of character – Zubairu reveals five key things that caused Nigeria’s fall to Argentina

Flying Eagles head coach, Aliyu Zubairu, has identified five key factors that led to Nigeria’s 4–0 defeat to Argentina in the Round of 16 of the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Flying Eagles suffered a heavy loss to the Albiceleste at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago.

This result, however, ended Nigeria’s hopes of replicating their famous 2–0 triumph over Argentina in the same stage of the 2023 edition.

Aliyu Zubairu on Nigeria’s loss to Argentina

Reflecting on the defeat, Zubairu admitted that his team lost their tactical shape early in the game after conceding two quick goals, which shattered their confidence and game plan.

“I think the early goal was part of what destabilized us. We conceded a goal at the very early stage of the game. Even the second goal came not too far from the first goal. I think that was what brought about the instability in the whole of our approach,” he said.

Daniel Bameyi and Israel Ayuma celebrate Nigeria s Flying Eagles goal — Daniel Bameyi and Israel Ayuma celebrate Nigeria’s Flying Eagles goal. Photo by NFF on X

The coach also questioned his players’ mental response, insisting they failed to show the kind of fighting spirit expected at such a crucial stage.

“I think the boys did not display a positive character,” he admitted.

Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubair during evening training session on Sunday. Photo credit: Sharif Abdallah, Flying Eagles Media Officer

Speaking further, Zubairu revealed that the team’s lack of intensity when out of possession gave Argentina space to dominate and create chances.

“When we don’t have the ball, the way we are fighting for the ball I think it’s not enough. That was what was giving the Argentines the opportunities. They saw a lot of places to operate. Anytime we lose the ball, we are not fighting back quickly.”

From Zubairu’s post-match remarks, five key issues were the early goals conceded, instability in approach, lack of character, poor off-ball work rate, and slow recovery after losing possession, which combined to hand Argentina a comfortable win.

Coach Aliyu Zubairu during the NPFL match between Kwara United and Gombe United at Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba on January 15th, 2023 in Ibadan, Nigeria. Photo by ImagoxShengolpixs

Flying Eagles Coach Takes The Blame

Despite the disappointment, Zubairu took full responsibility for the defeat, refusing to blame his players.

“That’s football; sometimes it’s like that. I take the blame. I take the responsibility, not the boys. The day they win, they won; the day they lose, I take the responsibility,” he concluded.