Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are through to the Round of 16 at the FIFA U20 World Cup after earning a hard fought 1 1 draw against Colombia in their final Group F match on Monday in Talca, Chile.
It was a tense encounter defined by defensive discipline, Colombian pressure, and late Nigerian drama. For long periods, the South Americans dictated the tempo, eventually breaking the deadlock early in the second half when Kener González punished a lapse in concentration to put his team ahead.
Nigeria, however, refused to fold. Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt kept the scoreline within reach with key stops in the first half, while forwards Tahir Maigana, Kparobo Arierhi, and Suleman Sani all troubled Colombia’s defense. Maigana came closest, striking the woodwork twice, as the Flying Eagles pressed for a breakthrough.
The decisive moment arrived with just four minutes of regulation left. After a foul inside the box, captain Daniel Bameyi coolly converted from the spot, sending the Colombian goalkeeper the wrong way and sparking celebrations among his teammates.
The result sees Colombia top Group F, with Nigeria advancing as one of the teams from the group phase into the knockout round.
Up next for the Flying Eagles is a mouthwatering clash with Argentina, a rivalry that has defined U20 World Cup history. Nigeria stunned Argentina in their own backyard at San Juan in 2023, but the South Americans hold fond memories of the 2005 final when a young Lionel Messi led them past the Africans.
Elsewhere, Colombia’s next test comes against South Africa, while Norway will meet Paraguay in the other Round of 16 encounters. For Nigeria, the mission is clear: build on the resilience shown against Colombia and summon the spirit of past triumphs as they take on Argentina.
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