FIFA U-20 WORLD CUP DRAMA: BAMEYI’S LAST-GASP PENALTY LIFTS FLYING EAGLES TO FIRST VICTORY

It was a night of nerves, grit, and redemption in Santiago, Chile, as Nigeria’s Flying Eagles finally announced themselves at the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup. Captain Daniel Bameyi delivered under immense pressure, slotting home a late penalty to secure a thrilling 3-2 win over Saudi Arabia in a high-octane Group C clash.

For both sides, it was a battle of survival. Nigeria and Saudi Arabia came into the encounter on the back of opening-day defeats, with the stakes at their highest—victory was non-negotiable.

The Flying Eagles wasted no time setting the tone. In just the 10th minute, Salihu Nasiru rose highest to head home Suleiman Sani’s pinpoint cross, igniting Nigerian hopes. But lapses in concentration quickly haunted Ladan Bosso’s side as Saudi’s Amar Al Yuhaybi punished defensive confusion with an 21st-minute equalizer.

Undeterred, Nigeria pressed on, and their persistence paid off when Amos Ochoche’s attempted cross fortuitously dipped into the net, restoring the lead. But the Saudis were relentless. Barely five minutes into the second half, Talal Haji outjumped the Nigerian defense to level once more, silencing the pockets of green-and-white supporters.

The contest turned into a tactical chess game, with neither side giving away clear chances as the clock ticked down. Just when a frustrating draw loomed large, fortune smiled on Nigeria. A Saudi defender handled the ball inside the box, and the referee pointed to the spot.

With the weight of a nation on his shoulders, skipper Daniel Bameyi stepped forward. Cool, calm, and clinical, he sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to seal the 3-2 win and Nigeria’s first three points of the tournament.

The Flying Eagles now sit third in the group with three points from two games. To progress to the knockout stage, they must avoid defeat against South American giants Colombia in their decisive final group match on Monday.

For now, though, Nigeria breathes again—thanks to a captain’s nerve and a team that refused to break under pressure.