Nigeria sealed a hard-fought 3-2 win over Saudi Arabia in their second Group F clash at the U-20 World Cup in Chile on Thursday night, Afrosport reports.
The Flying Eagles suffered a 1-0 loss to Norway in their opening game and defeat at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca against Saud Arabia would have ended their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
Aliyu Zubairu’s side looked sharper this time and took the lead in the 10th minute when Suleiman Sani’s pinpoint cross was headed home by Nasiru Salihu. Kparobo Ariehi nearly doubled the advantage soon after, only to be denied by a fine save from Saudi goalkeeper Hamed Al-Shanqiti.
Saudi Arabia hit back as Amar Al Yuhaybi latched onto a long ball and squeezed his effort past goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt. Nigeria responded before half-time, with Amos Ochoche lifting a clever finish over Al-Shanqiti from a well-worked set piece.
The Saudis levelled again five minutes into the second half, with Talal Haji heading in after catching Harcourt out of position.
But Nigeria had the final say in stoppage time. A cross deflected onto a Saudi defender’s arm, and captain Daniel Bameyi held his nerve from the penalty spot to seal victory in the 94th minute.
The result eliminates Saudi Arabia and keeps Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the next round alive. Earlier in the day, Colombia and Norway played out a goalless draw and now sit top of the group with four points each.
The Flying Eagles, meanwhile, are third after picking up their first win and will face Colombia in their final group game on Sunday, while Saudi Arabia take on Norway.
