Nigeria’s Flying Eagles are through to the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile after a gutsy 1-1 draw with Colombia in a tense showdown early Monday morning. The thrilling encounter at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca saw Nigeria battle back from a goal down to secure a vital point — enough to seal their spot in the knockout stage.
Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt was the early hero, pulling off two stunning saves in the 23rd and 26th minutes to deny Colombia the opener. Despite Colombia’s pressure, Nigeria looked sharper in attack, with Tahir Maigana, Kparobo Arierhi, and Suleman Sani tormenting the South Americans and rattling the woodwork more than once.
Colombia eventually broke the deadlock in the 51st minute through Kener Gonzalez, but Nigeria refused to back down. After several near-misses, the breakthrough finally came in the 86th minute when captain Daniel Bameyi coolly converted a penalty after a handball stopped Maigana’s goal-bound shot.
The dramatic draw sets up a blockbuster clash with Argentina in Santiago on Wednesday — a rematch of their memorable 2–0 victory at the last U-20 World Cup. With momentum building, the Flying Eagles are ready to take on anyone in their quest for glory.
Really amazing
Wonderful effort
This great are going higher
Thanks for the update