Nigeria’s Flying Eagles produced one of the most heart-thumping performances of the U-20 World Cup so far, beating Saudi Arabia 3-2 in Talca to snatch their first victory of the tournament.
It wasn’t pretty, it wasn’t controlled, but it was dramatic.
Goals from Salihu Nasiru and Amos Ochoche had Nigeria ahead at the break, before Saudi Arabia twice clawed back. Then, with the game poised at 2-2 deep into stoppage time, captain Daniel Bameyi converted a penalty to rescue three priceless points.
It leaves Nigeria on three points after two games, still very much in the race for a knockout place, though serious defensive flaws were laid bare once again.
Here are six key takeaways from a wild night.
1. A win that changes everything
This was Nigeria’s first victory of the tournament after the opening loss to Norway, and it could prove tournament-defining. With Colombia and Norway drawing elsewhere, the Flying Eagles sit on three points, just one behind the group leaders.
A draw against Colombia on October 6 may be enough to qualify, while a win would seal progression in style. Suddenly, the group looks wide open but only because of Bameyi’s nerve from the spot.
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2. Defensive frailties exposed again
For all the thrilling goals and late drama, Nigeria’s backline was alarmingly brittle.
Saudi Arabia scored twice from high balls into the area. This is the first time the Flying Eagles have conceded two goals in a World Cup game against the Saudis at this level.
Centre-backs Bameyi and Toheeb Akinyele were bullied aerially, with teenage striker Talal Haji winning almost everything in the air.
Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s gamble on shorter, ball-playing defenders is now under the spotlight. Against Colombia, such generosity will be punished.
3. Where is the coaching structure?
Nigeria played like a team without a map.
The midfield often left gaps the Saudis exploited with neat passing triangles, while the forwards pressed in ones and twos without coordination.
Israel Ayuma, given a free role, floated with flair but left the team looking unbalanced. Yes, individual quality saved them, but the lack of tactical organisation was glaring.
It felt more like chaos-ball than a rehearsed system. If Nigeria looked better in the defeat against Norway, they appeared far worse in the victory over Saudi Arabia.
4. Nigeria’s defenders: Poor at the back, perfect up front
While the Nigerian defence struggled at the back, the defenders were more impressive in attack than the forwards.
Defensive midfielder Nasiru glanced home Nigeria’s opener early. Right-back Ochoche provided an excellent finish that would make an elite striker green with envy.
Centre-back Bameyi then claimed all three points for the Flying Eagles with an expertly-taken penalty.
All these while the team’s attacking hopes Kparobo Arierhi, Tahir Maigana and Israel Ayuma are without a single goal contribution.
5. Colombia looms large
Nigeria’s final group clash against Colombia is now enormous. The South Americans, unbeaten so far, will be a sterner test than Saudi Arabia.
Nigeria may only need a draw, but the defensive leaks must be patched quickly. Any repeat of the slack marking seen in Talca could mean curtains for Zubairu’s men. Expect an all-or-nothing showdown.
6. Qualification still on the table
Despite the chaos, Nigeria’s destiny remains in their own hands. Qualification is possible via the top two or, failing that, as one of the best third-placed teams. For now, the Flying Eagles are alive and kicking. But if they are serious about going deep in this tournament, the lessons from this Saudi scare must be learned quickly.