Nigeria boosted their chances of reaching the Round of 16 at the ongoing 24th FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile with a hard-fought 3–2 victory over Saudi Arabia in Talca on Friday morning.
Midfielder Nasiru Salihu opened the scoring in the 10th minute to register Nigeria’s first goal of the tournament, but the Saudis equalized in the 21st minute through Amar Alyuhaybi.
The Flying Eagles restored their lead in the 38th minute when Amos Ochoche struck to make it 2–1 at half-time.
Saudi Arabia once again drew level six minutes after the restart, courtesy of Talal Haji, before captain Daniel Bameyi sealed the win for Nigeria by converting a penalty deep into stoppage time.
The victory gives Nigeria three vital points and leaves them needing just a result against Colombia on Monday to book a place in the Round of 16.
Report by: Chris Odjomah