Nigeria secured their advancement to the knockout rounds of the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup following a resilient 1-1 draw against Colombia in Talca on Monday morning, according to Soccernet.ng.
The match was decided by a tense late penalty, expertly converted by Flying Eagles captain Daniel Bameyi, who once again demonstrated his composure under pressure.
Under the guidance of coach Aliyu Zubairu, the Nigerian squad knew that earning at least a point was crucial to keep their nigeria-flying-eagles-confident-victory-saudi-arabia/” title=”…'s Zubairu and Daga Rally … for Triumphant Comeback Against Saudi Arabia”>tournament hopes alive, and they achieved this through sheer determination.
Despite hitting the post three times and conceding an early second-half goal, Bameyi’s decisive penalty in the 84th minute ensured Nigeria progressed as one of the top third-placed teams from Group F.
Match Overview
The game kicked off with intense energy from both sides.
Nigeria came close to scoring early on when Kparobo Arierhi unleashed a powerful shot that struck the post.
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Colombia quickly responded, narrowly missing a prime opportunity to score before having a goal disallowed for offside.
Both teams continued to challenge each other with dynamic play, but neither side could find the net before the break.
Just six minutes into the second half, Colombia capitalized on a swift counterattack, with Kener González slotting the ball into the near post to give the South Americans the lead.
Determined to respond, Nigeria intensified their attacks. Sani Suleiman’s curling effort struck the crossbar, and Tahir Maigana narrowly missed after hitting the post from close range.
Colombia’s goalkeeper Jordan García was also instrumental, denying headers from Salihu Nasiru and Odinaka Okoro during a frustrating spell for the Flying Eagles.
As the clock ticked down, Nigeria pushed relentlessly for an equalizer.
Arierhi made a surging run down the right flank and set up Maigana, whose shot appeared to be blocked by a Colombian defender’s hand. Initially, the referee allowed play to continue, but after a VAR review, a penalty was awarded.
Bameyi, who had previously converted a stoppage-time penalty against Saudi Arabia, calmly dispatched the spot-kick, sending goalkeeper García the wrong way. His goal in the 84th minute secured Nigeria’s place in the round of 16 with a total of four points.
Announcing the #U20WC Round of 16!
Which #LegendsInTheMaking will lift the trophy? pic.twitter.com/PzCvrNMyU8– FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 6, 2025
Looking Ahead for Nigeria’s Flying Eagles
Nigeria advances alongside France, South Korea, and Spain as the four best third-placed teams from the group stage at the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup.
The Flying Eagles are set to face Argentina, the winners of Group D and one of the tournament’s standout teams, in what promises to be an electrifying knockout match.
Along with Nigeria, South Africa and Morocco remain Africa’s representatives in the competition, while Egypt bowed out after finishing third in Group A.
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