Nigeria’s Flying Eagles revived their FIFA U20 World Cup campaign with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Saudi Arabia in a Group F clash at the Fiscal Stadium, Chile, on Friday.
A stoppage-time penalty converted by captain Daniel Bameyi sealed the win for Nigeria, who had twice surrendered the lead before clinching all three points.
After a disappointing opening defeat to Norway, Aliyu Zubair’s men began brightly and went ahead in the 13th minute through Nasiru Salihu. However, poor defending allowed Amar Al-Ayuba to pounce on a loose ball and level for Saudi Arabia eight minutes later.
Nigeria restored their lead before the break when Amos Ochoche’s mishit cross from a well-worked free-kick routine looped into the far corner to make it 2-1.
But the Saudis struck again five minutes into the second half, as Talal Haji punished indecision in Nigeria’s defence with a looping header over goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt to bring the score to 2-2.
The Middle Eastern side almost snatched the lead with another long punt forward, only to be denied by the woodwork. Moments later, the Flying Eagles were handed a lifeline when a Saudi defender handled a cross inside the box.
Skipper Bameyi held his nerve from the spot in the 94th minute, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to secure Nigeria’s first points of the tournament.
The victory lifted the Flying Eagles to third place in Group F with three points, just one behind leaders Colombia and second-placed Norway.
Nigeria will now face Colombia in their final group match on October 6, knowing that victory could seal a place in the knockout rounds.
