By Olukayode Olumuyiwa.
The Nigerian Flying Eagles displayed grit and determination to secure a vital 1-1 draw against Colombia in their final FIFA U-20 World Cup group stage match, a result that propels them into the knockout phase as one of the best third-placed teams.
Needing at least a point to bolster their qualification hopes, the team, coached by Aliyu Zubairu, survived a tough encounter against the South American side in Talca. The first half was a tense affair, concluding goalless, but not without drama. In the 20th minute, a Colombian goal from Perea was disallowed for offside following a VAR review.
The deadlock was officially broken in the second half when Colombia’s Gonzalez found the net in the 51st minute, putting the South American side ahead 0-1. The Flying Eagles quickly countered, but the South American’ defensive resolve was staunch, with Canchimbo Javier receiving a yellow card two minutes later for a robust challenge.
The crucial moment for Nigeria arrived late in the match. In the 86th minute, Nigeria was awarded a penalty, and captain Bameyi coolly converted the spot-kick to level the score at 1-1, securing the all-important point for Nigeria.
The hard-fought result, following a tough 3-2 victory over Saudi Arabia in their second match, ensures the Flying Eagles’ passage to the Round of 16.
A Fixture Steeped in History
Next up for the Flying Eagles is a high-profile showdown against South American powerhouse, Argentina, a fixture steeped in U-20 World Cup history as the two nations famously met in the final of the competition in 2005, a match Argentina won 2-1 with a teenage Lionel Messi inspiring his country to victory. The upcoming clash in the Round of 16 would definitely rekindle old wounds for the Nigerian side.
Meanwhile, other African teams have also learned their knockout stage fate. High-flying Morocco, who finished as Group C winners, will slug it out against Asian powerhouse South Korea inside the Estadio El Teniente in Rancagua. South Africa who are the reigning African champions will face off against Colombia while the continent’s fourth representative, Egypt, sadly failed to make it past the group stage, despite edging past hosts Chile in their last group fixture.
Ghana remains the only African team to have won the U-20 World Cup, with the Andre Ayew-inspired Black Satellites defeating Brazil on penalties in the final of the 2009 edition staged in Egypt.
Galaxy Sports Production
Should we send you latest update about your favourite sports and team?
Enter you email in the box below and hit the subscribe button to join our teaming 876+ sports community.
