Nigeria Snatch Dramatic Late Win Over Saudi Arabia to Keep U‑20 World Cup Hopes Alive.

In what will surely go down as one of the most thrilling encounters of the 2025 FIFA U‑20 World Cup, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles secured a dramatic 3–2 victory over Saudi Arabia in Talca, Chile — a win that keeps their hopes of advancing to the knockout rounds very much alive. (Confédération Africaine de Football)

First Half: Fast Start, Equalizer, Response

From the outset, Nigeria came out with urgency, responding to their opening defeat to Norway with purpose.

In the 10th minute, Nasiru Salihu latched onto a well‑placed cross (from Sani Suleiman) and headed home to give the Flying Eagles an early lead. (TheCable)

But the lead would not last long. Saudi Arabia struck back in the 21st minute through a smart dinked finish by Amar Al Yuhaybi, who lobbed the ball over Nigeria’s goalkeeper in composed fashion to level the score. (Confédération Africaine de Football)

Undeterred, Nigeria responded before the break.

In the 38th minute, Amos Ochoche unleashed a forceful shot from a set-piece that flew into the net, restoring the Flying Eagles’ advantage and allowing them to enter the interval ahead, 2–1. (Confédération Africaine de Football)

Second Half: Saudi Comeback & Late Drama

The second half opened with renewed intensity from the Saudis, who looked dangerous on the break.

Their substitution paid dividends: just six minutes into the half, Talal Haji rose to meet a lofted pass from Mohammed Barnawi and directed a header past the Nigerian keeper to make it 2–2. (Confédération Africaine de Football)

From that point onward, the match turned into a pulsating end-to-end battle.

Both teams had chances to grab the advantage, but it seemed destined to finish as a draw — until stoppage time.

Deep into added minutes, a Saudi defender was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box, awarding Nigeria a penalty. (Confédération Africaine de Football)

Captain Daniel Bameyi stepped up for the spot kick.

Under immense pressure, he showed remarkable calmness and converted in the 94th minute, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and sparking jubilant celebrations among the Nigerian contingent.

The goal — effectively the last kick of the match — sealed a breathtaking 3–2 win. (Confédération Africaine de Football)

Repercussions & Group Standings

With this result, Nigeria move into third place in Group F on three points, trailing Colombia and Norway (who drew 0–0 in their match). (Africa Top Sports) Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, are effectively eliminated, still without a point from two matches. (Africa Top Sports)

For Nigeria, the final group match against Colombia (scheduled for October 6) now becomes a must-win if they are to guarantee progression.

A draw might suffice depending on goal difference or other results — but the onus is clearly on the Flying Eagles to go all out. (Confédération Africaine de Football)

Head coach Aliyu Zubair praised his players for their fighting spirit after the match: “The players made up their minds that they had to go all out for the three points here and that is what motivated them,” he said. (Confédération Africaine de Football)

The captain Bameyi, meanwhile, acknowledged the burden of taking the penalty and expressed relief and delight at delivering for his side. (sports247.ng)

Tactical Notes & Player Highlights

• Nasiru Salihu stood out in the early period, scoring the opener and showing intelligence in his movement; though he was substituted before full time, his impact was felt. (Latest Sports News In Nigeria)

• Amos Ochoche’s strike from the set-piece underlined Nigeria’s threat from dead-ball situations. (Confédération Africaine de Football)

• The defensive lapses that led to both Saudi equalizers will no doubt concern the coaching staff; both times, Nigeria failed to deal adequately with long balls behind the backline. (sports247.ng)

• Nigeria’s mental resilience was tested repeatedly — twice having leads erased, yet still rallying in stoppage time to claim victory.

Looking Ahead

This win buys Nigeria hope, though they cannot afford to rest on their laurels.

The final matchday clash with Colombia looms large — a win there would almost certainly see them through.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Arabian team is left with nothing but pride. (Confédération Africaine de Football)

The drama in Talca will live long in the memory: an eleven-minute impact, a stoppage-time penalty, and a captain’s composure under pressure. The Flying Eagles have kept their U‑20 World Cup dreams alive — now it’s time to turn those dreams into reality.