The Flying Eagles of Nigeria have booked their place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile after a dramatic 1–1 draw with Colombia in their final Group F clash on Monday morning.
It was a tense encounter that kept fans on edge until the final whistle. Despite creating several chances — including efforts from Daniel Daga, Suleiman Sani, and Tahir Maigana that struck the woodwork — the Flying Eagles found themselves trailing after Kener Gonzalez put Colombia ahead in the 52nd minute following a swift counterattack.
However, Nigeria refused to back down. Their persistence paid off late in the game when captain Daniel Bameyi held his nerve to convert an 86th-minute penalty, sending the Colombian goalkeeper the wrong way after a handball in the box.
The crucial equalizer ensured the Flying Eagles finished third in Group F with four points — enough to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. Colombia topped the group with five points, edging out Norway (also on five points) on goal difference, while Saudi Arabia finished bottom.
Up next, Nigeria faces a monumental test against six-time U-20 World Cup champions Argentina in the Round of 16 on October 8. The Argentines have been in impressive form, topping Group D with a perfect nine points, scoring eight goals and conceding only twice.
Other Round of 16 matchups include:
• Chile vs Mexico
• Ukraine vs Spain
• Colombia vs South Africa
• USA vs Italy
• Paraguay vs Norway
• Japan vs France
