Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have advanced to the round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile after a thrilling 1-1 draw with Colombia in their final Group F match on Monday.
Daniel Bameyi’s late penalty secured the crucial point for Nigeria after the South Americans had taken the lead through Kener Gonzalez in the 52nd minute.
The Flying Eagles came close on several occasions, with Daniel Daga, Suleiman Sani, and Tahir Maigana all hitting the woodwork before finally finding an equalizer in the 86th minute when a Colombian defender handled the ball inside the box.
With the result, the Flying Eagles finished third in Group F with four points, earning qualification as one of the best third-placed teams. Colombia topped the group with five points, while Norway — also on five points after a 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia — finished second.
Nigeria will now face six-time champions Argentina in the round of 16 on October 8. The Argentines, who topped Group D with nine points, have been in top form — defeating Cuba (3-1), Australia (4-1), and Italy (1-0).
The last time both sides met at this stage of the tournament, Nigeria triumphed 2-0 over Argentina on their home soil to advance to the quarter-finals.
Other round of 16 fixtures include Chile vs Mexico, Ukraine vs Spain, Colombia vs South Africa, USA vs Italy, Paraguay vs Norway, and Japan vs France.