The Flying Eagles of Nigeria sealed their place in the round of 16 of the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup after a 1-1 draw against Colombia on Monday.
It was a game that Nigeria could have easily won if they had converted all their chances. But it took a late Daniel Bameyi goal from the penalty spot which canceled an earlier strike from Colombia’s Kener Gonzalez to ensure it ended 1-1.
Most of the players were good on the night, and if they were a bit more lucky, they could have ended up with the victory.
Soccernet.ng rates the performances of the players that did the business for Nigeria against Colombia.
Flying Eagles Player Ratings
Ebenezer Harcourt 6.5/10: Harcourt had a good game on the night, as he made two saves. The goal he conceded could have even been another save, but it was deflected. He had a good command of his area and was very calm in his approach.
Amos Ochoche 6.7/10: The 19-year-old fullback also had a fine showing for the Flying Eagles. Ochoche did not offer a lot in Colombia’s final third, but he carried out his defensive duties well.
Daniel Bameyi 8/10: Bameyi was the man for the Flying Eagles once again. He scored the goal that sealed his team’s place in the round of 16. He was also very good in the defence.
Haruna Aliyu 6.7/10: Aliyu was the one that deflected the shot that led to Colombia’s goal. But he picked himself up after that. It was his first start of the tournament. It was a decent game overall.
Odinaka Okoro 6.7/10: Okoro had a very good game for Nigeria. Defensively, he was astute, and he also added his quota in the attack. He had one attempt in target which was saved.
Tahir Maigana 6.6/10: Maigana had a good game. He was wasteful on occasions and made some wrong decisions. The Flying Eagles star could have scored, but he only managed to graze the bar. Nonetheless, he will be happy that his blocked shot caused the penalty
Daniel Daga 6.5/10: Daga delivered the goods for Nigeria on the night. He had 42 touches, two tackles, and one interception. The Molde man was a bit more adventurous and could have scored if not for the woodwork.
Israel Ayuma 6.3/10: Ayuma was decent in the middle of the park for Nigeria. It was a game that his presence in the middle of the park was needed. But while he made a few mistakes, it was a decent showing.
Suleiman Sani 6.6/10: The Trencin man had a good game from the left side of the pitch. His pace was a consistent threat to Los Cafeteros. Sani even had four goal attempts and struck:y: the woodwork once.
Nasiru Salihu 6.5/10: The 19-year-old forward had a solid game. He was a thorn in the flesh of the Colombians. He had a very good chance to score early in the first half, but he fluffed his lines. Aside from that, it was a decent showing from him.
Kparobo Arierhi 6.9/10: Arierhi had his best game of the tournament so far. It was a far more matured performance from the Mjondalen man, as instead of focusing on just scoring, he was also open to making plays for his teammates, it was his work that led to the penalty which the Flying Eagles profited from.