2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup: Flying Eagles advance to Round of 16 after hard-fought draw with Colombia

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles sealed a spot in the Round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup after earning a 1-1 draw against Colombia in their final Group F encounter on Saturday at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca.

The South Americans took the lead in the 51st minute through Kener Gonzalez, who finished off a swift counterattack to put Colombia ahead.

Nigeria kept pressing for an equalizer, and their persistence paid off in the closing moments. Team captain Daniel Bameyi held his nerve to convert a penalty in the 86th minute, ensuring the Flying Eagles earned a vital point.

The result means Aliyu Zubairu’s side finished third in Group F with four points, progressing to the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams.

Up next, Nigeria will face Argentina in the Round of 16 on Wednesday at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago.

Oluwaseun Oyediji

Oluwaseun Babatunde Oyediji is a multi-media sports journalist with over 10 years experience in Information Communication Technology (ICT), women's football, and beach soccer reportage.The prolific writer is the Media Assistant to Nigeria Beach Soccer League and Africa Beach Soccer Union as well as contributor on Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) website.He has covered multiple national and international football tournaments including Championship of African Nations (CHAN 2020), CAF Women's Champions League (2023), and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023).Since 2021, Oyediji has covered the NWFL Premiership especially the season ending Super Six Playoffs.A member of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun state chapter is also the image maker of the Remo Sports Development Council under the leadership of Chief Falilat Ogunkoya and David Osuolale.

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