The Flying Eagles of Nigeria roared again into competition on the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile with a pulsating 3–2 victory over Saudi Arabia within the early hours of Friday, a consequence that reignites their quest for a spot within the knockout rounds.
After a irritating 1–0 opening defeat to Norway, the place they dominated however failed to attain, Aliyu Zubairu’s facet entered the conflict in Talca realizing solely a win would maintain their future of their fingers. They delivered; however needed to dig deep in opposition to the Asian runners-up.
Nasiru sparks the comeback
Nigeria struck first after a tense opening spell. Salihu Nasiru rose highest to satisfy Sani Suleiman’s pinpoint cross and nod residence the opener. However Saudi Arabia rapidly confirmed they had been no pushovers, with Amar Al Yuhaybi firing previous teenage goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt within the twenty first minute to revive parity.
The Flying Eagles regained management within the thirty eighth minute when Amos Ochoche latched onto a intelligent cross from Nasiru to complete calmly, placing Nigeria 2–1 up as the primary half drew to an in depth.
The second half was equally gripping. Talal Haji ghosted in to move residence 5 minutes after the restart, dragging Saudi Arabia stage for the second time. With the match finely poised, the strain in Talca was palpable.
Bameyi holds his nerve
Simply when it appeared Nigeria may need to accept a irritating draw, destiny intervened. In stoppage time, a handball by Awad Aman gifted the Flying Eagles a penalty. Skipper Daniel Bameyi, who had conceded the expensive penalty in opposition to Norway, stepped up and transformed with ice-cold composure to seal a dramatic 3–2 win.
READ ALSO: U20 World Cup Preview: Flying Eagles face must-win take a look at in opposition to Saudi Arabia
What’s Subsequent
This consequence lifts Nigeria to a few factors in Group F, establishing a decisive closing group conflict with Colombia on Monday. The Flying Eagles, two-time U20 World Cup finalists and 14-time contributors, know {that a} optimistic consequence will e-book their passage to the knockout stage.
For Aliyu Zubairu’s younger facet, the victory over Saudi Arabia was extra than simply three factors; it was an announcement of resilience and intent, holding alive Nigeria’s proud custom on the event.
