The Flying Eagles of Nigeria revived their FIFA U-20 World Cup marketing campaign in dramatic trend on Friday night time, edging Saudi Arabia 3-2 in a pulsating Group F conflict on the Estadio Fiscal in Talca.
A final-gasp penalty from captain Daniel Bameyi sealed the factors after either side had traded blows in a five-goal thriller.
A Quick and Livid First Half
Nigeria, nonetheless stinging from an opening-day defeat, wanted a response — and so they obtained it early. Striker Nasiru Salihu opened the scoring inside ten minutes, ending confidently after seizing on a defensive lapse to ship the Nigerian followers into celebrations.
However the Inexperienced Falcons struck again. Within the twenty first minute, Amar Al Yuhaybi produced one of many objectives of the event to date, a fragile dink over Nigerian goalkeeper Ebenezar Harcourt that oozed composure.
The Flying Eagles, nonetheless, have been to not be outdone. As the primary half wore on, Amos Ochoche rifled residence within the thirty eighth minute to revive Nigeria’s benefit and guarantee a breathless opening interval ended 2-1 of their favour.
Saudi Sub Strikes
Saudi Arabia regrouped after the interval, and coach Saleh Al-Muhamadi’s halftime change proved impressed. Substitute Talal Haji wanted simply six minutes to make his mark, rising to fulfill a lofted move from Mohammed Barnawi and guiding a intelligent header past Harcourt to stage at 2-2.
From there, the sport swung wildly. Nigeria pressed via Salihu and Ochoche, whereas Saudi Arabia countered dangerously, sensing some extent was inside attain.
Bameyi the Hero
As the competition ticked into stoppage time, each groups seemed destined to share the spoils. However within the 94th minute, Nigeria earned a penalty after relentless strain lastly pressured a Saudi defensive slip. Up stepped captain Daniel Bameyi — nerves of metal, with the burden of a nation on his shoulders. He coolly slotted residence to safe an important 3-2 win and spark joyous scenes among the many Flying Eagles’ bench.
Group Outlook
The consequence pushes Nigeria into third place in Group F, conserving qualification hopes alive after their opening setback. Saudi Arabia, in the meantime, are rooted to the underside and should now win their remaining video games to face any probability of advancing.
What They Stated
Daniel Bameyi (Nigeria captain): “As captain, it was my accountability to step up. I knew I needed to rating for my staff, and I’m glad I saved my composure.”
Aliyu Zubairu (Nigeria coach): “We confirmed resilience tonight. The boys by no means gave up, and that’s the spirit we have to carry ahead on this event.”
The Takeaway
In Talca, Nigeria reminded the world why they’re six-time U-20 World Cup finalists: braveness, attacking aptitude, and never-say-die spirit. For Saudi Arabia, it was heartbreak in stoppage time — proof that at this stage, the smallest lapses might be ruthlessly punished.
The Flying Eagles now march on with momentum, their future again of their fingers.
