Related Post
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles reignited their U20 World Cup campaign with a dramatic 3-2 win over Saudi Arabia, sealed by captain Daniel Bameyi’s stoppage-time penalty in Talca, Footynaija.com reports.
After their opening-day defeat to Norway, Aliyu Zubairu’s side knew they could not afford another slip. They flew out of the blocks, taking a 10th-minute lead when Salihu Nasiru rose sharply to head in a pinpoint cross from Sani Suleiman.
Saudi Arabia hit back quickly, Amar Al Yuhaybi punishing slack defending with a close-range finish in the 21st minute.
But Nigeria restored their advantage before half-time. A cleverly worked set-piece found Amos Ochoche, who swept home in the 38th minute to make it 2-1.
The Saudis responded again shortly after the restart. Teenage substitute Talal Haji made an instant impact, heading past Ebenezer Harcourt just five minutes into the second half to level matters at 2-2. The 18-year-old almost snatched the lead moments later, rattling the post with a powerful strike.
Nigeria’s nerves were tested as the contest opened up, but Zubairu’s substitutions tilted the game back in their favour.
Haruna Aliyu and Charles Agada added energy in attack, and it was Agada’s late header that forced the decisive error, striking Awad Aman’s arm inside the box.
With the clock deep into injury time, Bameyi stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, sparking jubilant celebrations and sealing Nigeria’s first points of the tournament.
The victory lifts the Flying Eagles to third in Group F on three points, behind Norway and Colombia, who drew 0-0 in the other fixture. Nigeria must now defeat Colombia in their final group match on Monday to guarantee a place in the knockout stages.
