Nigeria’s Flying Eagles head into their final Group F clash against Colombia at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile knowing there is little room for error.
Head coach Aliyu Zubairu’s young side now stand one result away from a place in the knockout rounds.
A win could send them through as group leaders, while a draw could yet be enough but the Nigerians are thinking only of victory.
Against a compact, technical Colombian outfit that has yet to concede from open play, the Flying Eagles will need composure at the back, bite in midfield, and a little audacity in attack.
Here is how the Flying Eagles could lineup for the encounter as Zubairu’s rebuilding project looks ready to truly take flight.
Goalkeeper: Harcourt’s moment of truth
Ebenezer Harcourt’s gloves are safe for now, but his position isn’t. The highly-rated goalkeeper has started both games for Nigeria, yet he’s still chasing his first clean sheet in Chile.
Against Norway, he was helpless for the penalty that decided the game; against Saudi Arabia, he could have done more to prevent at least one of the two goals that flew past him.
Still, there’s a quiet confidence around him. Harcourt’s shot-stopping ability, especially from close range, remains a standout feature, and this Colombia clash could be his redemption arc. He has the reflexes; he just needs the composure.
Coach Aliyu Zubairu, however, isn’t short of options. Clinton Ezekiel (Bayelsa United) and Rufa’i Abubakar (Mavlon FC) wait in the wings. But dropping Harcourt now, when he’s just starting to find rhythm, could unsettle the backline. Expect him to keep his place and this is his chance to silence the doubters and finally deliver that clean sheet.
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Defence: Grit, goals, and a problem partner
If the Flying Eagles’ defence were a novel, right-back Amos Ocheche would be the unexpected hero.
The Stade de Reims youngster has been superb: solid in defence, electric in attack, and even on the scoresheet with that stunning strike against Saudi Arabia. His confidence oozes through every sprint down the flank.
On the left, Odinaka Okoro of Sporting Lagos has been equally impressive. He’s one of those full-backs who just never seem to tire: disciplined, clever, and always an outlet on the overlap.
Then there’s captain Daniel Bameyi, Nigeria’s heartbeat at the back. The centre-back led by example against Saudi Arabia, scoring the decisive penalty to keep Nigeria’s World Cup hopes alive. His leadership has been crucial.
The problem? Ahmed Akinyele. The Remo Stars defender had a night to forget last time out, beaten twice in the air, both errors leading directly to goals.
Under normal circumstances, he’d be benched. But this squad’s biggest issue lies in its thin defensive depth: many top defenders weren’t released by their European clubs.
That leaves Zubairu with a dilemma. Does he risk one of his untested replacements, Marvelous Avberosou (Ikorodu City) or Alatan Azuka (36 Lions), in such a crucial match? Probably not. Expect Akinyele to be given one last chance to make amends alongside Bameyi.
Midfield: Daga the anchor, Salihu the spark
No surprises expected here.
Molde’s Daniel Daga remains untouchable in the holding role. His composure on the ball, combined with a knack for breaking up play, makes him indispensable.
He’s the one who ensures the Flying Eagles don’t lose shape when games get chaotic, which, against Colombia, they almost certainly will.
Ahead of him, Israel Ayuma’s creative touch links the midfield and attack, but maybe not as seamlessly as expected.
Then comes Nasiru Salihu, the heartbeat of the midfield against Saudi Arabia. The Qabala FC man not only opened Nigeria’s goal account at the tournament but also ran tirelessly from deep positions, always available for a pass or pressing for the second ball.
Mustapha Kamaldeen and Auwal Ibrahim are quality backups and could offer late energy, but Zubairu is unlikely to disrupt the chemistry of this trio.
Expect Daga, Salihu, and Ayuma to retain their places: each offering a blend of discipline, creativity, and drive that Nigeria will need to outwork a technically sharp Colombian midfield.
Attack: Time for Agaba to shine
Nigeria’s attack has been a puzzle wrapped in potential. Three goals against Saudi Arabia look good on paper but none came from the strikers. That tells its own story.
Sani Suleiman has been the most productive of the bunch, registering an assist and stretching defences with his intelligent movement from the left.
On the opposite flank, Tahir Maigana has shown flashes of brilliance, full of running and invention, though without the final product to match his industry.
The real issue lies at centre-forward. Kparobo Arierhi, the supposed goal poacher, has struggled to deliver. Denied by the crossbar against Norway and wasteful against Saudi Arabia, he looks like a player burdened by pressure rather than driven by it. Zubairu may decide to spare him that strain, at least for this decisive fixture.
Enter Charles Agaba. The NK Istra striker has impressed each time he’s come off the bench: direct, energetic, and sharp with his movement. He brings a different edge, one that Nigeria’s attack has sorely missed. This may just be the moment to hand him his first start.
Predicted lineup (4-3-3)
Harcourt; Ocheche, Bameyi, Akinyele, Okoro; Daga, Salihu, Ayuma; Maigana, Suleiman, Agaba.