Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have booked their place in the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup after holding Colombia to a hard-fought 1–1 draw in their final group-stage match on Sunday.
The South Americans took the lead in the 32nd minute through Juan Castillo, but Nigeria equalized late into the game when captain Daniel Bameyi converted a penalty kick to level the score.
Flying Eagles players, Daniel Daga, Suleiman Sani, and Tahir Maigana, struck the woodwork during the game, which ended in a draw, and as a result, the team finished as one of the third-best teams with four points.
Head coach Aliyu Zubairu praised his players’ resilience, saying, “It wasn’t easy, but the boys showed great character. Now we turn our focus to Argentina — a big game, but we’re ready.”
The result means Nigeria’s Flying Eagles finished third in Group C, setting up a blockbuster Round of 16 encounter with South American giants. Argentina, which topped their group.
The highly anticipated clash between both countries is scheduled for Wednesday night, with the Flying Eagles hoping to continue their quest for a first-ever U-20 world title.
