![FIFA U-20 World Cup: Nigeria qualify for round of 16, to face Argentina [Full fixtures]](https://www.naijatimes-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/flying-eagles-nigeria-.webp "flying-eagles-nigeria-")
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles secured a place in the Round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile after a 1–1 draw with Colombia in Talca on Monday morning.
At the Estadio Fiscal de Talca, the seven-time African champions delivered a spirited performance, with goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt making crucial saves in the 23rd and 26th minutes to keep the scores level during a tense opening period.
Colombia took the lead in the 51st minute through Kener Gonzalez, but Nigeria fought back and equalised late on when captain Daniel Bameyi converted a penalty after Tahir Maigana’s shot was handled in the box.
Despite Colombia’s early dominance, Nigeria proved to be the more adventurous side, with Tahir Maigana, Kparobo Arierhi, and Suleman Sani constantly posing threats to the South American defence and even hitting the post on multiple occasions.
Colombia, however, drew first blood in the 51st minute when Kener Gonzalez finished neatly from Neyser Villareal’s assist.
Unfazed by the setback, the Flying Eagles maintained their attacking rhythm, with defender Odinaka Okoro nearly equalising with a powerful header in the 76th minute.
Their efforts were finally rewarded in the 86th minute as captain Daniel Bameyi converted a penalty after a Colombian defender handled Maigana’s goal-bound strike.
READ ALSO: Nigerian Stars Shine Abroad Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
Nigeria almost sealed the win late on, but Arierhi’s 89th-minute attempt was blocked inside the box, leaving the game evenly poised at the final whistle.
The result sets up a Round of 16 clash between Nigeria and Argentina on Wednesday at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago: a rematch of last year’s quarter-final, where the Flying Eagles won 2–0.
Norway also confirmed their place in the next round after playing out a 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia.
The Round of 16 fixtures will take place between Tuesday and Friday.
Full FIFA U-20 World Cup Round of 16 Fixtures:
- Ukraine vs Spain
- Chile vs Mexico
- Colombia vs South Africa
- Argentina vs Nigeria
- Paraguay vs Norway
- Japan vs France
- USA vs Italy
- Morocco vs South Korea