By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles advanced to the Round of 16 at the ongoing 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup after a pulsating 1-1 draw with Colombia in Talca on Monday morning.
It could have been a dream start for Nigeria just three minutes in when Daniel Daga’s towering header crashed off the right post, leaving the Colombian goalkeeper completely beaten.
Colombia looked to have drawn first blood in the 21st minute, but their goal was correctly ruled out for offside by the assistant referee.
Nigeria’s young shot-stopper, 15-year-old Ebenezer Harcourt produced a string of saves to keep his side in the game.
Kener Gonzalez gave Colombia the lead from a sharp finish six minutes after the break.
Captain Daniel Bameyi converted a penalty for the second straight match to secure a point that ensured the Flying Eagles finished as one of the best third-placed nations.
Aliyu Zubairu’s side will face Argentina in the Round of 16 at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago on Wednesday.
Colombia, who finished top of Group F will confront South Africa.
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