Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have certified for the Spherical of 16 on the twenty fourth FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile after ending as probably the greatest 4 third-place groups, following a 1–1 draw with Colombia of their ultimate group match on Monday morning.
The seven-time African champions put up a formidable efficiency on the Estadio Fiscal de Talca, exhibiting resilience and attacking aptitude all through the encounter.
Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt produced key saves within the twenty third and twenty sixth minutes to maintain Nigeria within the sport, whereas Tahir Maigana, Kparobo Arierhi, and Suleman Sani prompted issues for the Colombian defence, with Nigeria hitting the woodwork a number of instances.
Colombia took the lead within the 51st minute by way of Kener Gonzalez, who transformed a cross from Neyser Villareal. The Flying Eagles, nevertheless, refused to surrender and saved urgent for an equaliser.
Their persistence paid off within the 86th minute when captain Daniel Bameyi calmly transformed a penalty after a Colombian defender dealt with Maigana’s goal-bound effort. Nigeria almost grabbed the winner three minutes later, however Arierhi’s shot was blocked contained in the field.
The consequence was sufficient to safe Nigeria’s place within the knockout stage as probably the greatest third-placed groups. The Flying Eagles will now face Argentina within the Spherical of 16 on the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago on Wednesday — a repeat of their memorable 2–0 victory over the identical opponents in San Juan at a earlier version hosted by Argentina.
Elsewhere, Colombia will face South Africa, whereas Norway tackle Paraguay in different Spherical of 16 fixtures.
