October 06, (THEWILL) — Nigeria’s Flying Eagles qualified for the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile following a 1-1 draw with Colombia at the Estadio Fiscal in Talca. Captain Daniel Bameyi converted an 86th-minute penalty after a handball was confirmed through VAR, cancelling out Kener González’s 51st-minute strike. The result left Nigeria third in Group F with four points from one victory, one draw and one defeat, sufficient to advance among the four best third-placed teams across the six groups.
Colombia dominated possession through much of the second period after González capitalised on defensive hesitation to fire home from outside the area. The Nigerians struggled to establish rhythm and registered just two shots on target throughout the match. García denied Odinaka Okoro in a one-on-one situation during the 75th minute before the late penalty decision swung momentum back towards the Nigerian team.
The spot kick arrived after a VAR review for handball inside the penalty area during the 83rd minute. Bameyi stepped up three minutes later and sent García the wrong way to level the match with stoppage time approaching. Wild celebrations erupted from the Nigerian bench and travelling supporters when the goal was scored.
Colombia finished joint top of Group F with five points following one victory and one draw, the same with Norway after their final match with Saudi Arabia. Nigeria accumulated four points through their 3-2 victory over Saudi Arabia, offsetting an earlier 1-0 defeat to Norway. The Flying Eagles recorded four goals scored and four conceded across the group phase.
The knockout stage draw pairs Nigeria with Argentina in the Round of 16, whilst Colombia will face South Africa. Nigeria managed substitutions late in the match, bringing on Charles Agaba and Emmanuel Ekowoicho for Kparobo Arierhi and Israel Ayuma in the 89th minute. Sani Suleiman received a yellow card during stoppage time for a challenge from behind on Royner Benítez, the only caution issued to the Nigerian side during the fixture.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
