Boluwatife Kehinde
Nigeria’s U20 team, the Flying Eagles, showcased impressive grit and tactical discipline to secure a vital 1-1 draw against Colombia at the Estadio Fiscal in Talca, Chile, booking their place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U20 World Cup.
Heading into the match, the stakes were clear: Colombia had already qualified for the knockout stage, while Nigeria needed at least a draw to progress. The Flying Eagles started brightly, dominating possession and creating multiple chances. They were unlucky not to take the lead in the first half, hitting the woodwork three times, a post and two crossbars, in a display of attacking intent and determination.
However, it was Colombia who struck first just six minutes into the second half. Kener González capitalised on a rare defensive lapse, skillfully rounding Nigeria’s 15-year-old goalkeeper, Ebenezar Harcourt, to put his team ahead.
Despite the setback, Nigeria refused to fold. The Flying Eagles pressed forward with greater urgency. Still, Colombian goalkeeper Jordan García put on a stellar performance, pulling off a series of acrobatic saves to preserve his side’s lead.
The breakthrough finally came in the 86th minute when team captain Daniel Bameyi calmly converted a penalty, his second in as many matches, levelling the score and securing Nigeria’s passage to the next round as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Head coach Aliyu Zubairu lauded his side’s determination after the match, saying, “It wasn’t easy, but we stood our ground and were proactive. We knew Colombia’s strengths, so we focused on denying them space to operate. All we wanted was a qualification, and we got it.”
Nigeria will now face Argentina in the Round of 16, setting the stage for a thrilling rematch of their previous tournament encounter, where the Flying Eagles eliminated the South Americans at the same stage. With renewed momentum, Nigeria aims to continue their proud tradition in youth football and make a deep run in the competition.
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