₦airaland Forum

2025 U-20 WC: Flying Eagles Go Through After 1-1 Draw With Colombia, To Face Argentina In Round Of 16

October 6, 2025

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have qualified for the round of 16 at this year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile after a pulsating 1-1 draw with Colombia in their final Group F tie on Monday.

Another late penalty converted by Daniel Bamayi saw the Flying Eagles come from a goal down to earn a point against the South Americans.

It was a game that saw Flying Eagles trio Daniel Daga, Suleiman Sani and Tahir Maigana hit the woodwork.

But it was the Colombians who took the lead in the 52nd minute through Kener Gonzalez off a counter attack.

But in the 86th minute Bameyi drew the Flying Eagles level from the penalty spot, sending the keeper the wrong way after a Colombian player handled the ball inside the box.

The result means the Flying Eagles placed third on four points and finished as one of the third best sides.

Colombia on five points topped the group and Norway who also had five points, after drawing 1-1 with Saudi Arabia, placed second.

The Flying Eagles will now face six-time U-20 FIFA World Cup winners Argentina in the round of 16 on October 8.

Argentina finished top in Group D on nine points, scoring eight goals and conceding just two.

The Argentines began their campaign with a 3-1 win against Cuba, thrashed Australia 4-1 and pipped Italy 1-0 in their last group encounter.

The last time the Flying Eagles faced Argentina at the U-20 World Cup was also in the round of 16 when the South American giants hosted the tournament.

After a thrilling contest the Flying Eagles stunned Argentina 2-0 to progress to the quarter-finals.

The other round of 16 fixtures will see hosts Chile face Mexico, Ukraine take on Spain, Colombia will battle South Africa, USA and Italy will square off, it will be Paraguay vs Norway and Japan battle France.

2025 U-20 WC: ‘All Flying Eagles Wanted Was To Qualify For The Next Round’ –Zubair Reacts After Draw Vs Colombia

Flying Eagles coach Aliyu Zubair has expressed satisfaction with the team’s qualification to the knockout stages of the FIFA U-20 World Cup after holding Colombia to a 1-1 draw on Monday.
Colombia scored the opening goal in the 51st minute via Kener Gonzalez before Daniel Bameyi leveled parity for the Flying Eagles via the penalty spot in the 86th minute.

Nigeria advance as one of the best third-place teams to the Round of 16, where they will face Group D winners Argentina on Wednesday in Santiago.

After the game, Zubair praised the players for their ability to compete with Colombia and secure a spot in the Round of 16.

“It wasn’t easy but we stood our ground and were proactive.

“We knew they are physically strong and good on the ball so we tried to deny them passing lanes and that gave us a little edge.

“All we wanted was to qualify for the next round and we are not worried about who we have to face.”

2025 U-20 W/Cup: How Flying Eagles Rated In Draw With Colombia

October 6, 2025

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria held Colombia to a 1-1 draw in their last group game at the ongoing 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup on Monday morning. Completesports.com’s ADEBOYE AMOSU appraises the performance of the players in the game.

Ebenezer Harcourt 7/10

Made a couple of good saves especially in the first half. His ball distribution was also excellent.

Amos Ochoche 7/10

Didn’t venture forward much unlike in previous games. He had a busy day with Colombia’s dangerman Oscar Perea.

Haruna Aliyu 7/10

The Wikki Tourists defender made his first start of the competition. He formed a good partnership with Daniel Bameyi.

Daniel Bameyi 8/10

The captain scored for the second consecutive game.He was a rock at the back for the Flying Eagles again.

Odinaka Okoro 7/10

The left-back was unlucky not to get a goal in the game.He was replaced by Alatan Azuka after sustaining an injury.

Daniel Daga 7/10

His header hit the crossbar early in the game. It was his best performance of the competition so far.

Israel Ayuma 7/10

A battling display from the midfielder. He was replaced by Emmanuel Ekele late in the game.

Nasiru Salihu 6/10

He started the game brightly but fizzled out afterwards.

Sani Suleiman 8/10

The winger was one of Nigeria’s best performers in the game. He however picked a yellow card and will miss the Round of 16 tie against Argentina.

Tana Maigana 7/10

Maigana hit the upright in the second half. He entertained the crowd with his deft touches and pace.

Kparobo Ariehi 6/10

An improved display from the forward but still waiting for his first goal of the competition.

Substitutes

Alatan Azuka

Took the place of the injured Odinaka Okoro 10 minutes from time.

Charles Agada

Not Rated

Emmanuel Ekele

Not Rated

GanagiBitrus:
Dem try, for qualifying.

But they need to improve in their ball-play & finishing, to stand a chance of beating Argentina in R/16.

GanagiBitrus:
Dem try, for qualifying.

But they need to improve in their ball-play & finishing, to stand a chance of beating Argentina in R/16.

AntiChristian:
But can Nigeria beat Argentina now?

Say "Tina is a witch'' in Yoruba!