Nigeria’s U20 men’s team, the Flying Eagles, bounced back from their opening-day defeat with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Saudi Arabia in their second Group F match at the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup in Talca, Chile, in the early hours of Friday.

Nasiru Salihu opened the scoring in the 10th minute, heading home from a fine cross by Sani Suleiman. Nigeria could have doubled their lead soon after through Kparobo Arierhi, but Saudi goalkeeper Youssef Hamed produced a brilliant save. The Saudis threatened themselves, hitting the woodwork through Rakan Al Ghamdi before finally drawing level midway through the half as Amar Al Yuhaybi capitalized on a defensive lapse.

The Flying Eagles regained the advantage shortly before the break when Amos Ochoche struck from a clever set-piece routine, sending Nigeria into half-time 2-1 up.

After the restart, Saudi substitute Talal Haji nodded in an equalizer five minutes into the second half, before the Saudis came close again by striking the post. Nigeria struggled to contain the long balls over the top, forcing head coach Aliyu Zubair into changes, bringing on Charles Agada and Emmanuel Ekele to add fresh energy.

The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time when Agada’s header forced a handball inside the box. Captain Daniel Bameyi stepped up under pressure and calmly converted the penalty, sealing Nigeria’s first win of the tournament.

With three points now on the board, the Flying Eagles face Colombia in their final group match on Monday, while Saudi Arabia, already eliminated, take on Norway.