Nigeria’s Flying Eagles secured their first victory of the 2025 U20 World Cup in dramatic fashion, defeating Saudi Arabia 3-2 in a pulsating encounter that had fans on the edge of their seats until the very last minute.
The match started explosively for the Flying Eagles. In the 11th minute, Nasiru Salihu met a perfectly weighted cross from Sani Suleiman and powered a header past the Saudi goalkeeper to give Nigeria an early lead.
The Flying Eagles looked confident, pressing high and creating several dangerous chances but failed to covert their chances.
However, Saudi Arabia responded in the 21st minute. Amar Al Yuhaybi reacted quickest to a long ball, pouncing on the loose opportunity to level the score at 1-1.
The equalizer briefly shifted momentum, and the Falcons began to assert themselves in midfield.
Nigeria regained control before halftime. In the 38th minute, a well-executed set-piece routine paid dividends, with Amos Ochoche finishing clinically to put the Flying Eagles back in front, 2-1.
The goal lifted Nigerian spirits and sent the team into the break with renewed confidence.
The second half saw more back-and-forth action. Saudi Arabia struck again in the 50th minute, as Talal Haji capitalized on a defensive lapse to equalize once more, making it 2-2 and setting up a tense final 40 minutes.
Both sides had chances to take the lead, but the woodwork and missed goal chances kept the scoreline level.
Then came the drama in stoppage time. In the 90+4 minute, Nigeria were awarded a penalty.
Captain Daniel Bameyi stepped up with composure and precision, slotting the ball home to put the Flying Eagles ahead for the third time.
The stadium erupted as Nigeria secured a thrilling 3-2 victory, taking all three points and boosting their hopes in the tournament.
