Chijioke Gabriel
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles reignited their FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign in Chile with a dramatic 3–2 victory over Saudi Arabia in a high-octane Group F clash on Thursday.
The encounter at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca had everything — early goals, swift comebacks, and stoppage-time drama — before a late penalty from captain Daniel Bameyi sealed a vital win for Nigeria.
The Flying Eagles started brightly, with Salihu Nasiru opening the scoring in the 10th minute after a slick exchange with Sani Suleiman. But Saudi Arabia struck back in the 21st minute through Amar Al Yuhaybi, who punished sloppy defending to level the contest.
Nigeria restored their lead shortly before halftime when Amos Ochoche unleashed a thunderous strike in the 38th minute, once again assisted by Nasiru, sending the West Africans into the break 2–1 ahead.
Saudi Arabia, refusing to back down, equalised just six minutes into the second half. Substitute Talal Haji rose highest to glance home a looping header in the 51st minute, making it 2–2 and shifting momentum back to the Middle Eastern side.
The Flying Eagles pressed hard in search of a winner, but a combination of poor finishing and resolute Saudi defending left the scores tied as full-time approached.
With the clock ticking into stoppage time, Nigeria were awarded a penalty after a Saudi defender handled the ball inside the box. Skipper Bameyi held his nerve, calmly converting in the 90+4th minute to seal a dramatic 3–2 win and ignite wild celebrations on the Nigerian bench.
The victory earned Nigeria their first three points in Group F and revived hopes of reaching the knockout stage. It also eased pressure on head coach Ladan Bosso, who had faced criticism for his team’s sluggish start to the tournament.
While the attacking chemistry between Nasiru and Ochoche was a clear positive, defensive frailties remain a concern. Analysts warn that conceding twice against Saudi Arabia suggests the backline must be tightened if Nigeria is to challenge stronger opposition in the later rounds.
Nonetheless, the resilience displayed in Talca underscored the Flying Eagles’ pedigree as one of Africa’s most formidable youth teams. The hashtag #FlyingEagles trended on social media, with fans praising the team’s fighting spirit and hailing Bameyi’s leadership.
Nigeria will now face Colombia in their final Group F match, a clash that could determine their qualification for the round of 16. A victory would almost certainly guarantee progression, while anything less could leave their fate hinging on other results. With momentum back on their side, the Flying Eagles know that their destiny remains firmly in their own hands.