₦airaland Forum

2025 U-20 WC: Flying Eagles Get Campaign Back On Track With Dramatic 3-2 Win Vs Saudi Arabia

October 3, 2025

A stoppage time penalty converted by Daniel Bamayi earned Nigeria’s Flying Eagles a hard-fought 3-2 win against Saudi Arabia, in their second Group F match at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile in the early hours of Friday.

The game saw Saudi Arabia twice drawing level before Bamayi’s well taken penalty sealed the win for coach Aliyu Zubairu-led side.

Both the Flying Eagles and Saudi Arabia went into the tie on the back of defeats to Norway and Colombia respectively.

While the Flying Eagles fell to a 1-0 defeat, Saudi Arabia also lost by the same scoreline to Colombia.

In the group’s other match Colombia and Norway played out a goalless draw.

After second round of matches Colombia, with four points are top, Norway also on four points are second, Flying Eagles are in third position on three points and Saudi are bottom in the standing.

Up next for the Flying Eagles is a final group stage fixture with Colombia on Monday, October 6.

Nasiru Salihu had the Flying Eagles first opportunity on seven minutes but could not direct his header towards goal from a cross.

In the 10th minute Salihu opened the scoring as he nodded home Sani Suleiman’s cross.

Three minutes later Saudi almost equalised but Awad Aman failed to direct a setpiece towards goal with Ebenezer Harcourt to beat.

Just one minute later Kparobo Arierhi had a big chance to make it 2-0 after he went one-on-one with the keeper but hit his effort against his outstretched leg.

In the 18th minute Rakan Al-Ghamdi dispossessed Ahmed Akinyele of the ball inside the box but saw his shot hit the cross bar.

But Saudi Arabia drew level on 21 minutes through Amar Al Yuhaybi who sneaked behind the Flying Eagles defence to pounce on a long pass from his keeper, slotting past Harcourt.

Amos Ochoche had a chance on 33 minutes after a loose ball from a corner fell to him but he volleyed over the bar.

But Ochoche made amends on 38 minutes as he restored the Flying Eagles lead with a superb strike off a clever free kick.

In the early exchanges in the second half Arierhi went close but fired his effort way off target after nearly beating his markers.

In the 50th minute Saudi equalised thanks to substitute Talal Haji who we header from a long cross lobbed over Harcourt.

Six minutes later a timely block by Bamayi denied Saudi the chance take the lead.

One minute later Haji almost got his second goal only to see his low left foot strike hit the post.

With three minutes left Ochoche sent in a dangerous cross which the Saudi keeper calmly held.

But in stoppage time a Saudi player stopped a cross with his hand which resulted to a penalty for the Flying Eagles.

Captain Bamayi stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way to make it 3-2 in the 94th minute which proved to be the winning goal.

2025 U-20 WC: Flying Eagles Showed Great Determination Vs Saudi Arabia –Zubair

October 3, 2025

Flying Eagles coach Aliyu Zubair has praised the teams’ fighting spirit in their 3-2 win over Saudi Arabia in the early hours of Friday at the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Nigeria opened the scoring in the 10th minute through Salihu Nasiru before Amar Bin Al Yuhaybi leveled parity for Saudi Arabia in the 21st minute.

Amos Ochoche restores the Flying Eagles’ lead to 2-1 in the 38th minute, but Saudi Arabia’s Talal Haji responded again with a brilliant finish to make it 2-2.

However, the Flying Eagles were awarded a penalty in the 94th minute of the game that was coolly converted by Daniel Bameyi to seal the maximum three points for Nigeria.

Reacting after the game, Zubair, in a chat with FIFA.com, applauded the team’s determination and resilience against Saudi Arabia.

He also noted that the team will go all out against Colombia in the final group game.

“The players decided they needed to give their all for the three points in this match, which motivated them.

“Now, it’s straightforward: we must also strive for the three points against Colombia; it’s as simple as that.”

2025 U-20 W/Cup: How Flying Eagles Rated In Thrilling Win Over Saudi Arabia

October 3, 2025

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles defeated Saudi Arabia 3-2 in their second game at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup on Friday morning. Completesports.com’s ADEBOYE AMOSU appraises the performance of the players in the game.

Ebenezer Harcourt 7/10

The youngster put up an impressive display in the keenly contested encounter. Made a number of key saves to help his side win the game.

Amos Ochoche 7/10

The right-back scored a superb goal in the first half. Gave a good account himself.

Ahmed Akinyele 5/10

Gave the ball away cheaply a couple of times in the first half. Not a good performance from the Remo Stars defender.

Daniel Bameyi 7/10

Captain Daniel Bameyi led by example. He scored the winning goal from the penalty spot.

Odinaka Okoro 7/10

The left-back had a hand in the first goal. He performed his defensive task well, and also supported the attack.

Daniel Daga 7/10

An improved performance from the first game. He shielded the defence well, and also helped the attack.

Israel Ayuma 7/10

The hardworking midfielder was at his best in the game. He was one of Flying Eagles’ best performers in the game.

Nasiru Salihu 7/10

Scored Nigeria’s opening goal from a superb header. His best performance for the team.

Sani Suleiman 7/10

Provided a superb assist for the opening goal. He was a constant threat to Saudi Arabia defence.

Kparobo Ariehi 6/10

The forward was unlucky not to get a goal in the game. Ariehi was replaced by Charles Agada in the 59th minute.

Substitutes

Charles Agada 5/10

The NK Istra forward offered little after replacing the misfiring Kparobo Ariehi.

Haruna Aliyu 6/10

The centre-back helped stablise the defence after replacing Ahmed Akinyele.

Emmanuel Ekele 5/10

Made his first appearance of the competition in the game. He took place the place Nasiru Salihu 19 minutes from time.

Alatan Azuka
Not Rated

Achichi Oseer
Not Rated

JASONjnr:
Has anyone noticed the winning trend since Tinubu took over office?


We barely lose any competition.....

Just identify as a Nigerian and you're already a winner🏆

ezra1990:
Can you just shut it...if you have nothing meaningful to type...how does this relate to the thread

englishmart:
Any team that doesn't beat Saudi Arabia, apart from Argentina, can't be a serious team.

JASONjnr:
Has anyone noticed the winning trend since Tinubu took over office?


We barely lose any competition.....

Just identify as a Nigerian and you're already a winner🏆

GanagiBitrus:
Congrats.
Last minute penalty saved us. Let's hope they pick up & fly from here.

But Morocco has been very impressive, beating giants Spain & Brazil and automatically qualifying for R/16 as Group winners.

JASONjnr:
If I say this to you, the mods will ban me....

But since you hate good news...let me say it to you...

This government has been so lucky with good news and I've noticed an increasing amount of winnings since the government took over power.

This isn't applicable to the people who call Nigeria a zoo.

englishmart:
Any team that doesn't beat Saudi Arabia, apart from Argentina, can't be a serious team.