Nigeria’s Flying Eagles advanced to the Round of 16 at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile after a thrilling 1-1 draw against Colombia in Talca on Monday.
Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt was in top form early, making crucial saves in the 23rd and 26th minutes, while Nigeria repeatedly threatened the Colombian goal. Tahir Maigana, Kparobo Arierhi, and Suleman Sani led several promising attacks for the seven-time African champions.
Colombia broke the deadlock in the 51st minute when Kener Gonzalez converted an assist from Neyser Villareal. Undeterred, the Flying Eagles pressed hard, creating several opportunities, including a header from defender Odinaka Okoro in the 76th minute that was expertly saved by the Colombian keeper.
Nigeria finally equalized in the 86th minute when captain Daniel Bameyi calmly converted a penalty after Maigana’s shot was handled in the box. The Flying Eagles nearly snatched a late winner in the 89th minute, but Arierhi’s strike was blocked.
The draw sets up an exciting Round of 16 clash with Argentina at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos in Santiago on Wednesday—a repeat of the last U20 championship quarter-final in Argentina, where Nigeria won 2-0 in San Juan.
Colombia will face South Africa, while Norway takes on Paraguay in the other Round of 16 fixtures.