Get Guardian on GoogleThe Flying Eagles of Nigeria are back on track to qualify for the knockout stages of the 2025 U-20 FIFA World Cup in Chile after beating Saudi Arabia 3-2 in their second group game on Friday morning.
Nigeria needed to win following their 1-0 defeat to Norway in the opening group match on Monday, and the Flying Eagles duly understood their assignment against the Saudis by scoring an early goal.
The West African nation went into the lead as early as the 10th minute of the game, with the goal courtesy of Salihu Nasiru who buried a header from a Sani Suleiman cross.
Saudi Arabia thereafter went searching for an equalising goal which they got in the 21st minute through Amar Al Yuhaybi.
The Flying Eagles were not discouraged, though, as they regained the lead in the 38th minute, with Amos Ochoche finding the back of the net after latching on to a well-timed pass from Nasiru.
Upon the resumption of the second half,
Saudi Arabia gave it their all, with their dominance paying off in the 50th minute, as Talal Haji headed home to equalise a second time.
The Flying Eagles huffed and puffed, with their determination earning them a penalty in stoppage time after a handball by Awad Aman, a spot kick Daniel Bameyi duly converted to clinch a hard-fought 3-2 win for Nigeria.
Nigeria’s final group game of the FIFA U-20 World Cup on Monday will see them battle Colombia, with the Flying Eagles needing a positive result to qualify for the next round of the competition.
