By Edward Oseghe
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria have advanced to the knockout stage of the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile after securing a hard-fought 1–1 draw against Colombia in their final Group F encounter played in the early hours of Monday.
A late penalty from captain Daniel Bameyi salvaged a crucial point for the Nigerians, ensuring their progression as one of the best third-placed teams in the tournament.
Despite dominating large portions of the first half, the Flying Eagles were punished early in the second half when Kener González capitalized on a swift Colombian counter-attack to put his side ahead.
Nigeria mounted several attempts to find an equalizer but were repeatedly denied by Colombia’s goalkeeper, Jordan García, who produced a series of fine saves.
With just four minutes left on the clock, the breakthrough finally came when the referee pointed to the spot after a foul in the box. Bameyi stepped up confidently and converted to draw Nigeria level, sending the Nigerian bench and fans into jubilation.
The result was enough to see the Flying Eagles through to the round of 16, where they will face tournament hosts and six-time champions Argentina on Wednesday.
Interestingly, the fixture rekindles memories of the 2023 edition, when Nigeria eliminated Argentina in the round of 16 before bowing out to South Korea in the quarter-finals.
With renewed determination and a solid team spirit, the Flying Eagles will be hoping to repeat history — or perhaps go even further this time.
