Nigeria’s Flying Eagles picked up a dramatic 3–2 victory over Saudi Arabia in their Group F clash at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Talca, Chile, keeping their hopes alive of progressing to the knockout rounds.
From the opening whistle, Nigeria looked eager to set the tone. Just 10 minutes in, Nasiru Salihu rose to head home a precise cross from Sani Suleiman to give the Flying Eagles the lead.
Saudi Arabia responded strongly, and in the 21st minute Amar Al Yuhaybi equalized after being set up well in the box.
Before half-time, Nigeria regained the advantage. In the 38th minute, Amos Ochoche unleashed a well-struck shot thanks to a pass from Salihu to make it 2–1.
Thus, the Flying Eagles entered halftime ahead, but with the match still finely balanced.
Just minutes into the second half, Saudi Arabia leveled the score again. Talal Haji, who had come on as a substitute, nodded home a looping header in the early stages of the period.
From then until the final whistle, the game ebbed and flowed as both teams pushed for a winner. The tension was high, the margin for error slim.
With the match heading toward a 2–2 draw, Nigeria earned a decisive penalty deep in stoppage time. A handball in the box conceded by a Saudi defender gave the Flying Eagles one final chance.
Stepping up under immense pressure, Captain Daniel Bameyi delivered with composure sending his side home with all three points and a spectacular 3–2 victory.
Group Standing and Outlook: The win brings Nigeria to three points in Group F, giving them a shot at qualification as the group’s third place or even better, depending on results.
Remaining Fixture: The Flying Eagles now face Colombia in their final group game. A positive result could secure their place in the Round of 16.
Resilience & Character: Nigeria showed resilience twice conceding but fighting back, and then sealing victory in the dying moments. That kind of spirit will be critical in knockout football.
Implications for Saudi Arabia: With zero points from this game and earlier matches, Saudi Arabia’s chances of advancing are severely diminished.
