Nigeria’s Flying Eagles announced their arrival at the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in spectacular fashion with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Saudi Arabia on Friday, thanks to a stoppage-time penalty from captain Daniel Bameyi.
It was a rollercoaster clash that kept fans breathless from start to finish.
The Flying Eagles struck first in the 11th minute when Nasiru Salihu powered home a brilliant header from Sani Suleiman’s pinpoint cross. The early breakthrough settled Nigeria, who dominated possession and pressed high, but wasted further chances to extend their lead.
Saudi Arabia clawed their way back into the contest just 10 minutes later. Amar Al Yuhaybi pounced on a defensive slip to fire past the Nigerian goalkeeper, restoring parity at 1-1 and giving the Saudis fresh momentum.
Coach Ladan Bosso’s men responded swiftly. A clever set-piece routine in the 38th minute saw Amos Ochoche lash home, restoring Nigeria’s advantage at 2-1 heading into halftime.
The Falcons, however, refused to back down. Five minutes into the second half, Talal Haji capitalized on another lapse in concentration at the back to level again at 2-2. From then on, the contest became a tense end-to-end battle, with both teams rattling the woodwork and squandering golden opportunities.
The decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time. Awarded a penalty in the 94th minute, Nigeria’s skipper Daniel Bameyi kept his nerve, sending the Saudi keeper the wrong way to seal a heart-stopping 3-2 win.
The victory gives the Flying Eagles their first three points of the tournament and a crucial boost as they chase qualification from the group stage.