Nigeria’s Flying Eagles edged Saudi Arabia 3-2 in a dramatic FIFA U-20 World Cup Group F clash in Talca, with captain Daniel Bameyi converting a stoppage-time penalty to seal the win, but head coach Aliyu Zubairu says full focus has already shifted to their next match against Colombia.
Salihu Nasiru gave Nigeria the perfect start with a 10th-minute opener before Ammar Al-Yahibi equalised for Saudi Arabia in the 21st minute.
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Amos Onyejefu Ochoche restored Nigeria’s lead in the 38th minute, only for substitute Talal Haji to level again with a 50th-minute header.
Just when the game seemed destined for a draw, Nigeria were awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time and Bameyi held his nerve to fire the Flying Eagles to victory.
Speaking after the match, coach Zubairu praised his players’ resilience but warned that their task is not complete.
“The players made up their minds that they had to go all out for the three points here and that is what motivated them, and now it’s simple that we have to go all out for the three points against Colombia, it’s as simple as that,” he said.
The victory lifts Nigeria to third in Group F with three points, behind Colombia and Norway who have four each, while Saudi Arabia remain bottom without a point.
The Flying Eagles now face group leaders Colombia on October 6 in a match that will decide their qualification hopes.
