U20 WC Nigeria 1-1 Colombia: Skipper Bameyi converts late penalty for the second straight match

Daniel Bameyi’s late penalty rescued Nigeria’s Flying Eagles as they battled to a 1-1 draw against Colombia, a result that sealed their qualification for the knockout stage of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.

The match began with both sides showing attacking intent, but it was Colombia who struck first in the 51st minute. Kener González latched onto a clever pass from Néiser Villarreal before firing a low right-footed shot from outside the box to put his team ahead. 

The goal gave the South Americans the advantage and temporarily silenced the Nigerian supporters inside the Estadio Fiscal in Talca.

Nigeria, however, refused to back down. The Flying Eagles pushed forward relentlessly, with Salihu Nasiru and Odinaka Okoro both coming close before their persistence finally paid off. 

In the 84th minute, VAR confirmed a Colombian handball inside the penalty area, and captain Daniel Bameyi stepped up to take responsibility. 

With composure and precision, he sent goalkeeper Jordan García the wrong way to level the score.

Despite Colombia’s late pressure, Nigeria held firm to claim the vital point. 

The result ensured Aliyu Zubairu’s side finished with four points, advancing as one of the best third-placed teams. 

They will now face Argentina in a round of 16 clash at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos, Santiago on October 8.

Wale Adejumo

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