Nigeria fought their way into the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup with a 1–1 draw against Colombia in their final Group F match held at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca.
Daniel Bameyi’s penalty in the 86th minute proved crucial, securing the Flying Eagles a point that allowed them to progress as one of the best third-placed teams.
The South American team controlled possession and created numerous opportunities, with Nigerian goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt making vital saves in the first half to maintain a goalless score at halftime.
Colombia took the lead in the 51st minute when Kener González fired a low shot into the near corner following a rapid counterattack initiated by Neyser Villarreal.
Nigeria responded with determination, demonstrating potential on the counterattack. Forward Tahir Maigana hit the post twice, while Kparobo Arierhi and Suleman Sani also posed threats to the Colombian defense.
Defender Odinaka Okoro nearly equalized with a header in the 76th minute, but it was Bameyi who came through when it was most needed.
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After Arierhi’s swift run resulted in a handball in the box—confirmed by VAR—the captain stepped up and calmly converted from the penalty spot, sending goalkeeper Jordan García the wrong way.
This goal marked Bameyi’s second consecutive penalty conversion in the tournament, following his stoppage-time winner against Saudi Arabia earlier in the group stage.
As a result, Nigeria concluded the group stages with four points, sufficient to secure a place in the knockout rounds alongside Colombia and runners-up Norway.
The Flying Eagles now face a significant challenge against another South American country in the Round of 16 on Wednesday at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago.
Statistics have it that their next opponent have won the tournament six times, advanced unbeaten after winning all three of their group matches.
