Nigeria’s Flying Eagles booked their place within the knockout stage of the FIFA U-20 World Cup after grinding out a 1–1 draw with Colombia of their ultimate Group F fixture in Talca, Chile.
The sport performed within the early hours of Monday was certainly one of resilience, grit, and late drama as captain Daniel Bameyi’s 86th-minute penalty sealed the essential level that stored Nigeria’s marketing campaign alive.
Colombia Strike First
Colombia, sharp and purposeful, dominated lengthy stretches of the competition. After a goalless first half through which Nigeria’s defence held agency, the South Individuals lastly broke by means of early within the second interval. Kener González pounced on a lapse in focus to fireplace his facet into the lead, sending the Colombian followers into raptures.
Nigeria have been compelled to dig deep. Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt produced massive saves within the twenty third and twenty sixth minutes to maintain the scoreline respectable, whereas on the different finish the Flying Eagles threatened on the counter. Tahir Maigana, Kparobo Arierhi and Suleman Sani all examined the Colombian backline, with Maigana twice hanging the upright.
Credit score: The NFF on (X)
Bameyi’s massive second
Defender Odinaka Okoro got here shut within the 76th minute with a header from a Maigana pull-out, however the breakthrough refused to return. Then, with time working out, Nigeria’s persistence lastly paid off. A foul within the field handed the Flying Eagles a lifeline, and captain Daniel Bameyi stepped up beneath immense strain. His calm, low penalty within the 86th minute despatched the Colombian goalkeeper the unsuitable approach and sparked reduction among the many gamers and the small pocket of Nigerian followers in Talca.
The draw means Nigeria progress to the Spherical of 16 as one of many group’s qualifiers, whereas Colombia advance as Group F winners.
Historical past awaits towards Argentina
Subsequent for the Flying Eagles is a high-profile showdown with Argentina; a fixture steeped in U-20 World Cup historical past. Nigeria famously shocked the hosts 2–0 in San Juan on the 2023 version, whereas Argentina edged the Africans within the 2005 ultimate when a teenage Lionel Messi impressed his nation to victory.
For Nigeria, the draw with Colombia was as a lot about resilience as high quality. The group confirmed character beneath strain, proving as soon as once more they will rise to the event.
Spherical of 16 image
Colombia will now face one other African facet, South Africa, whereas Norway tackle Paraguay within the different last-16 ties.
