U-20 World Cup: Nigeria impress, find late goal to edge Saudi Arabia

Nigeria bounced back from a disappointing opener at the U-20 World Cup in Chile with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Saudi Arabia in Thursday’s Group F clash.

The Flying Eagles struggled in a 0-1 defeat to Norway but looked much more inspired on Thursday. A positive start was rewarded in the 10th minute when Suleiman Sani’s perfect cross found Nasiru Salihu for an open header to open the scoring. Kparobo Ariehi could have doubled the lead minutes later but squandered an excellent chance due to a splendid save from Saudi keeper Hamed Youssef.

The Saudis did not go down without a fight. A long ball bounced through the Nigerian defense into the box and Amar Al Yuhaybi’s finish just snuck in under the crossbar after Flying Eagles keeper Ebenezer Harcourt got a hand to the shot.

However, a clever set piece from Nigeria in the 38th minute opened up a shooting opportunity for Amos Ochoche who floated his shot perfectly over Youssef for an excellent goal.

The back-and-forth nature of the match continued and Saudi Arabia found the equalizer again in the 50th minute when Talal Haji got on the end of a floated ball into the box and his header floated over Harcourt, who was out of position.

But a final push from Nigeria won it in second half stoppage time. A cross from the left wing took a slight deflection into the outstretched arm of a Saudi defender and a penalty kick was awarded. Nigeria captain Daniel Bameyi accepted the high pressure task and sent Youssef the wrong way with his spot kick to win it.

Nigeria eliminate Saudi Arabia with the result and will wrap up Group F play against Colombia on Sunday. Colombia and Norway are co-leaders on four points while Nigeria are a point back with three points from two games.

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