Nigeria clawed their way into the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup with a 1–1 draw against Colombia in their final Group F match at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca.
Daniel Bameyi’s 86th-minute penalty proved decisive, earning the Flying Eagles a point that to secure their progression as one of the best third-placed teams.
The South Americans dominated possession and carved out several chances, with Nigerian goalkeeper, Ebenezer Harcourt making key saves in the first half to keep the game goalless at the break.
Colombia broke the deadlock in the 51st minute, as Kener González swept a low shot into the near corner after a swift counterattack led by Neyser Villarreal.
Nigeria responded bravely, showing promise on the counter. Forward Tahir Maigana rattled the post twice, while Kparobo Arierhi and Suleman Sani also threatened the Colombian defense.
Defender Odinaka Okoro nearly equalized with a 76th-minute header, but it was Bameyi who delivered when it mattered most.
After Arierhi’s darting run forced a handball in the box—confirmed by VAR—the captain stepped up and coolly slotted home from the spot, sending goalkeeper Jordan García the wrong way.
The goal marked Bameyi’s second consecutive penalty conversion of the tournament, following his stoppage-time winner against Saudi Arabia earlier in the group stage.
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The result means Nigeria finish the group stages with four points enough to book a place in the knockout rounds alongside Colombia and runners-up Norway.
Flying Eagles now face a formidable challenge against Argentina in the Round of 16 on Wednesday at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago.
Argentina, six-time winners, advanced unbeaten after winning all three of their group games.
