FIFA U-20: Flying Eagles Progress After Colombia Draw

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have progressed to the Round of 16 in the 24th FIFA U-20 World Cup taking place in Chile, after securing a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Colombia in the early hours of Monday.

During the match at Estadio Fiscal de Talca, the seven-time African champions displayed a determined performance, with goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt making critical saves in the 23rd and 26th minutes to keep the score level in the tense early moments.

Although Colombia initially applied pressure, Nigeria proved to be the more dynamic team, with Tahir Maigana, Kparobo Arierhi, and Suleman Sani continually challenging the South American defence and hitting the post multiple times.

FIFA U-20: Flying Eagles Progress After Colombia Draw. Credit: Youtube.

Colombia took the lead in the 51st minute when Kener Gonzalez scored from an assist by Neyser Villareal.

Nigeria’s determination was rewarded in the 86th minute when captain Daniel Bameyi confidently converted a penalty after a Colombian defender handled Maigana’s goal-bound shot.

The Nigerians came close to snatching a late winner, but Arierhi’s shot in the 89th minute was blocked within the penalty area.

This outcome sets Nigeria up to face Argentina at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos in Santiago on Wednesday, marking a repeat of their quarter-final matchup from the previous U20 World Cup held in Argentina, where the Flying Eagles emerged victorious with a 2–0 win in San Juan.

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Tope Oke

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