Nigeria’s Flying Eagles revived their U20 World Cup hopes with a dramatic 3-2 win over Saudi Arabia in Chile on Friday.
Daniel Bameyi, the captain, scored a stoppage-time penalty to seal the victory at Fiscal Stadium after Nigeria twice surrendered the lead.
Aliyu Zubair’s side bounced back from their opening loss to Norway with an energetic performance. Nasiru Salihu struck first, and Amos Ochoche added another, but Saudi Arabia equalized both times following defensive lapses.
The Flying Eagles led 2-1 at halftime after Ochoche’s mishit cross looped into the net from a free-kick routine. But early in the second half, Talal Haji punished Nigeria’s shaky defense with a looping header for 2-2.
Saudi Arabia nearly took the lead again when another long punt forward struck the post. Minutes later, Nigeria’s relentless attack forced a handball in the box.
Bameyi stepped up in extra time, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to seal a vital 3-2 win.
The result lifted Nigeria to third in Group F with three points, one behind leaders Norway and second-placed Colombia. The Flying Eagles will face Colombia in their final group game on October 6.
