U20 FOOTBALL
Flying Eagles to Battle Argentina After Hard-Fought Draw with Colombia
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles booked their place in the Round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile after holding Colombia to a 1-1 draw in Talca in the early hours of Monday.
The seven-time African champions put up a spirited display at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca, showing resilience and character to come from behind and secure the crucial point that ensured their passage to the knockout stage.
Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt was Nigeria’s early hero, pulling off two vital saves in the 23rd and 26th minutes to keep the South Americans at bay.
Despite Colombia’s pressure, the Flying Eagles remained the more adventurous side, with Tahir Maigana, Kparobo Arierhi, and Suleman Sani constantly threatening and even hitting the woodwork on a couple of occasions.
Colombia took the lead six minutes after the restart when Kener Gonzalez tucked home from a Neyser Villareal assist. But the Flying Eagles refused to back down, pouring forward in search of an equaliser.
Defender Odinaka Okoro came close in the 76th minute but saw his header from Maigana’s cross parried by the Colombian goalkeeper.
Nigeria’s persistence eventually paid off four minutes from time. After a Maigana effort was handled in the box, captain Daniel Bameyi calmly converted the resulting penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to level the scores.
The Flying Eagles nearly snatched all three points in the dying minutes, but Arierhi’s effort was blocked inside the crowded area.
With the result, Nigeria advance to face six-time world champions Argentina in Wednesday’s Round of 16 clash at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos in Santiago — a rematch of their famous quarter-final meeting the last time Argentina hosted the tournament, which Nigeria won 2-0 in San Juan.
In other pairings, Colombia will take on South Africa, while Norway face Paraguay in the knockout stage.
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U20 FOOTBALL
From Tension to Triumph: Flying Eagles Edge Saudi Arabia 3–2 to Boost Round of 16 Hopes
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles produced a spirited performance on Friday morning to defeat Saudi Arabia 3–2 in an eventful Group F clash at the ongoing 24th FIFA U20 WorldCup in Talca,Chile, keeping their hopes of qualification for the Round of 16 firmly alive.
The thrilling contest saw both teams trade blows in a pulsating encounter that showcased end-to-end action from start to finish.
Nigeria opened scoring in the 10th minute through midfielder Nasiru Salihu, who coolly converted to hand the seven-time African champions their first goal of the tournament. The lead, however, lasted just eleven minutes before Amar Alyuhaybi drew the Asians level with a fine finish in the 21st minute.
Undeterred, the Flying Eagles pressed forward and regained their advantage late in the first half when Amos Ochoche struck in the 38th minute, ensuring Nigeria went into the break with a slender 2–1 lead.
The second half began much like the first — with Saudi Arabia clawing back. Talal Haji restored parity in the 51st minute, setting up a tense finale as both sides pushed for the winner.
Nigeria’s persistence eventually paid off deep into stoppage time. In the 94th minute, captain Daniel Bameyi stepped up to convert a late penalty, sealing a dramatic 3–2 victory for the two-time World Cup finalists.
The result moves Nigeria to three points in Group F, significantly improving their chances of advancing to the Round of 16. A positive result in their final group match against Colombia on Monday will be enough to guarantee progression to the knockout stage.
It was a hard-fought win that reflected the Flying Eagles’ resilience and determination — qualities they will need in abundance as the tournament enters a crucial phase.
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Nigeria’s U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, have declared “Operation No Way for Norway” as they prepare to open their FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign on Monday against the Europeans at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca in Chile.
This will be the first-ever meeting between both nations at the U-20 level, marking a historic moment for the Flying Eagles, who are featuring in the competition for a record 14th time. Nigeria, twice runners-up — in 1989 (Saudi Arabia) and 2005 (The Netherlands) — are among the most successful sides in the tournament’s history, which began as the FIFA U-21 Youth Championship in Tunisia in 1977.
By contrast, Norway are making only their third appearance at the global showpiece, highlighting the gulf in pedigree between the two sides.
The Flying Eagles secured their ticket to Chile after finishing third at the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in Egypt, where they claimed the bronze medal. Under head coach Aliyu Zubairu, the team have fine-tuned preparations with encouraging friendly results — including a 1–1 draw against hosts Chile and a3–1 victory over Australia.
Zubairu’s squad features a blend of home-based and Europe-based talents, with leadership coming from captainDaniel Bameyi, a seasoned defender who was part of Nigeria’s quarter-final run at Argentina 2023. Also returning is industrious midfielder Daniel Daga, whose composure and ball-winning ability will be vital against the physically strong Norwegians.
Nigeria — seven-time African champions — will be eager to start their campaign on a winning note as they seek to go one step further than their 2023 outing. Monday’s clash kicks off at 5:00 p.m. local time (9:00 p.m. in Nigeria)at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca.
With confidence high and experience on their side, the Flying Eagles are determined to make a statement — and true to their rallying cry, ensure there is “No Way for Norway.”
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The Nigeria Football Federation has finalized arrangements for the U20 boys, Flying Eagles to sharpen their skills and competition-readiness with two friendly games against host nation Chile and Australia, ahead of this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals.
Head of International Competitions, Dayo Enebi Achor, confirmed that the two-time silver medallists of the FIFA U20 World Cup will take on host nation Chile, who play in Group A of the competition alongside New Zealand, Japan and Egypt, on Saturday, 20th September.
Nigeria, who also won the bronze medals when then USSR hosted the championship in 1985, will then confront Australia, who play in Group D alongside Italy, Cuba and Argentina, on Tuesday, 23rd September.
Nigeria reached the quarter-finals of the last edition hosted by Argentina before a one-goal defeat by Korea Republic after extra-time in Santiago del Estero.
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