Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are through to the Round of 16 at the FIFA U20 World Cup after a gritty 1–1 draw with Colombia in Talca.
A late penalty from captain Daniel Bameyi sealed qualification for the seven-time African champions, who showed determination to come from behind in their final Group F match.
Both sides started brightly at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca, with Colombia enjoying the early possession. Nigeria, however, relied on swift counter-attacks led by Tahir Maigana and Kparobo Arierhi.
Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt produced two vital saves midway through the first half to keep the scores level — first denying a close-range effort from Neyser Villareal and then tipping a fierce drive over the bar minutes later.
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The Flying Eagles grew into the contest and twice came close through Maigana and Suleman Sani, whose shot rattled the post just before half-time.
Flying Eagles captain Daniel Bameyi has now scored 2 goals in 3 matches. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Colombia took the lead six minutes into the second half when Kener Gonzalez found space inside the area to convert Villareal’s low cross.
The goal spurred Nigeria into action, as coach Aliyu Zubairu introduced more attacking options in search of an equaliser. Defender Odinaka Okoro nearly levelled in the 76th minute, but his powerful header was turned away by the Colombian goalkeeper.
Nigeria’s persistence paid off four minutes from time when a Maigana effort was handled inside the box. Captain Daniel Bameyi stepped up and coolly slotted the penalty past the goalkeeper to make it 1–1.
The Flying Eagles pressed for a late winner, but Arierhi’s close-range effort in stoppage time was blocked as both sides settled for a draw.
The result confirmed Nigeria’s place in the knockout stage, setting up a Round of 16 clash with six-time champions Argentina on Wednesday in Santiago.
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It will be a nostalgic fixture for Nigerian fans — the last time Argentina hosted the tournament in 2001, the Flying Eagles defeated the South Americans 2–0 in the quarter-finals.
Colombia, meanwhile, will face South Africa, while Norway take on Paraguay in the other fixtures.
