The Flying Eagles have booked a date with South American powerhouse Argentina in the round of 16 of the ongoing 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup on October 8, 2025, in Chile.
In a tense final Group F game, Nigeria secured progression to the knockout stage with a gritty 1–1 draw against Colombia, thanks to a coolly converted 86th-minute penalty by captain Daniel Bameyi.
The Colombians struck first in the 51st minute through Kener González, forcing the Flying Eagles to chase the game.
For much of the second half, the South Americans controlled play, probing Nigeria’s defence and looking likely to take all three points. But as desperation set in, the Nigerian side earned a spot kick, and Bameyi placed it beyond the keeper to salvage a result.That point proved enough.
Nigeria now advance to face tournament heavyweights Argentina, while Colombia, unbeaten in the group, proceed as group leaders. At the start of the game, both sides balanced attack and caution, aware of what was at stake.
The breakthrough came early in the second half when González capitalised on a lapse in concentration to slot home. Nigeria, stung, pressed forward with urgency but struggled to find rhythm.
As the minutes ticked into stoppage time, tension rippled through the lineups. Then the penalty decision came, and Bameyi delivered under pressure.
Speaking after Nigeria’s passage to the knockout phase, coach of the team, Aliyu Zubair, said:
“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 and that gave us a little edge. All we wanted was to qualify for the next round and we are not worried about who we have to face.”
