When the referee’s whistle pierced the night air in Talca, Chile, signaling a penalty for Nigeria, Daniel Bameyi didn’t hesitate. The U20 nationwide workforce captain merely picked up the ball, walked to the spot, and shut out the noise.
Moments later, he buried it — calm, exact, unstoppable.
That 86th-minute penalty secured a 1–1 draw for the Flying Eagles in opposition to Colombia of their closing U20 World Cup group-stage match, a outcome that stored Nigeria’s marketing campaign alive and booked their place within the Spherical of 16 as among the best third-placed groups.
After the match, Bameyi — the image of composure in each play and management — opened up about that defining second.
“When the referee blew for the penalty, I advised myself, that is my accountability as captain,” Bameyi stated with quiet confidence.
“I needed to step up for my nation. We got here right here to struggle for Nigeria, and I knew lacking wasn’t an choice.”
It was the type of assertion that defines a captain — and the efficiency matched the phrases. The 19-year-old defender not solely scored beneath immense strain but additionally anchored Nigeria’s defence with authority, incomes an 8.2 efficiency ranking for his all-round show.
Even when Colombia struck first via Kener González early within the second half, Bameyi by no means stopped urging his teammates ahead. His management, each vocal and by instance, turned the heartbeat of the workforce’s response.
“We believed until the tip,” he stated. “Colombia are a powerful facet, however we trusted our course of, stayed compact, and stored pushing. That’s what Nigerian soccer is about — struggle, unity, and delight.”
Regardless of ending third of their group, Nigeria’s relentless mentality has stored their World Cup dream alive — and now, the Flying Eagles flip their focus to a monumental Spherical of 16 conflict with Argentina on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
Bameyi, although happy with his purpose, is already considering forward.
“This purpose means quite a bit, however qualification means much more,” he stated. “I’m happy with the boys, and we’ll hold giving the whole lot for Nigeria. We’re not finished but.”
From the calmness in entrance of purpose to the metal in defence, Daniel Bameyi embodies the brand new era of Nigerian soccer — daring, disciplined, and unafraid of the large stage.
On the night time when the Flying Eagles wanted a hero, their captain rose to the event.
And in his personal phrases, he did it the one manner he is aware of how —
“for my nation.”
