The Flying Eagles’ winning goal was the last kick of the game…
Nigeria’s under-20 team, the Flying Eagles defeated Saudi Arabia 3-2 in their second game of the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup on Wednesday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria locked horns with Saudi Arabia in their second game of the tournament. Recall that coach Aliyu Zubairu’s boys suffered a 1-0 defeat in the hands of Norway last time out. So they were condemned to get all three points against Saudi Arabia.
It was a quite a charged atmosphere, as both teams went in as hard as possible and gave it all they had.
The Flying Eagles dominated the early exchanges and looked like they were going to run away with all three points.
It took Nigeria just ten minutes to get the lead, and it was a beautifully worked goal. Odinaka Okoro combined well with Suleiman Sani, who was a live wire on the left.
Sani then sent a cross into the box, which Nasiru Salihu, who was running into the box, got his head to and sent the ball into the net.
Just two minutes later, Nigeria could have gotten a second, as Kparobo Arierhi got through on goal, with only the goalkeeper to beat. But his strike from inside the box was saved from point-blank range.
After that, the Flying Eagles started showing signs of weakness in defence. Saudi Arabia could have easily gotten a goal in the 17th minute, but for the crossbar which saved Rakan Al Ghamdi’s strike.
More to follow…