Three of Africa’s four representatives — Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa — have booked their spots in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, after a thrilling conclusion to the group phase on Sunday night.

Only Egypt missed out narrowly despite their spirited 2-1 win over hosts Chile in Santiago.

Morocco, the standout African team so far, topped Group C with two impressive victories — against Spain and Brazil — before a narrow defeat to Mexico.

The Atlas Cubs will now face Korea Republic in Rancagua on Thursday, 9 October, with the winner set to meet either Italy or the USA in the quarter-finals.

Nigeria, meanwhile, advanced as one of the best third-placed teams after a battling 1-1 draw with Colombia in Talca.

 The Flying Eagles had earlier edged Saudi Arabia 3-2 in a dramatic group clash and will now face Argentina in Santiago — a repeat of their memorable encounters in past youth tournaments.

Coach Aliyu Zubairu praised his side’s resilience:

“It wasn’t easy but we stood our ground and were proactive. We knew they are physically strong and good on the ball so we tried to deny them passing lanes. All we wanted was to qualify for the next round.”

For South Africa, it has been a breakthrough campaign. The Amajita, reigning African U-20 champions, sealed their qualification with a 2-1 win over the USA, their second victory of the tournament after hammering New Caledonia 5-0.

The result sends them into a tough last-16 clash against Colombia on Wednesday, 8 October in Talca.

Coach Raymond Mdaka lauded his side’s progress, saying: “The players have shown great maturity and hunger to compete at this level. We believe we can go further if we remain disciplined and take our chances.”

While Morocco’s tactical discipline, Nigeria’s fighting spirit, and South Africa’s attacking flair have given the continent much to cheer about, Egypt’s exit was a cruel blow.

Despite defeating hosts Chile 2-1 in their final group match, the Young Pharaohs missed out on qualification due to an inferior fair-play record — finishing level on points but with more yellow cards than the South Americans.

The performances of the African teams have reignited optimism about the continent’s growing influence in world youth football, as all three surviving nations now aim to emulate Ghana’s famous 2009 U-20 World Cup triumph.

The knockout round fixtures offer no easy paths, but African hopes remain alive in Chile 2025.

Morocco take on Korea Republic, Nigeria face Argentina, and South Africa meet Colombia — three matches that could further underline Africa’s rising football pedigree on the global stage.

-Cafonline

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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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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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