Seven-time African champions, the Flying Eagles of Nigeria, delivered a spirited performance to book their place in the Round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile after a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Colombia in the early hours of Monday.
At the Estadio Fiscal de Talca, goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt proved vital for Nigeria, pulling off crucial saves in the 23rd and 26th minutes to keep the game goalless.
The Flying Eagles showed greater attacking intent, with Tahir Maigana, Kparobo Arierhi, and Suleman Sani all causing problems for the Colombian defence and striking the woodwork on multiple occasions.
Colombia took the lead six minutes into the second half when Kener Gonzalez slotted home from a Neyser Villareal assist.
But the Nigerian side, twice runners-up in the competition, refused to give up and pressed relentlessly for an equalizer.
Defender Odinaka Okoro was denied in the 76th minute when his powerful header from Maigana’s cross was superbly saved.
However, persistence paid off four minutes from time when captain Daniel Bameyi coolly converted from the penalty spot after Maigana’s goal-bound effort was handled in the box.
The Flying Eagles nearly stole the win late on, but Arierhi’s close-range shot was blocked in the 89th minute to keep the score level.
With the result, Nigeria advance to face hosts Argentina in Santiago on Wednesday, a rematch of the 2001 quarter-final clash in San Juan, which the Flying Eagles famously won 2-0.
Elsewhere, Colombia will square off against another African contender, South Africa, while Norway are set to battle Paraguay in the Round of 16.
