The Flying Eagles of Nigeria kept their U20 World Cup hopes alive with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Saudi Arabia in a Group F encounter at the Fiscal Stadium in Chile on Friday.

A stoppage-time penalty calmly converted by captain Daniel Bameyi proved decisive, capping off a tense contest that saw Nigeria twice surrender the lead.

The midnight kickoff saw Aliyu Zubair’s side bounce back from a disappointing opening loss to Norway. Goals from Nasiru Salihu and Amos Ochoche had put Nigeria ahead on two occasions, but defensive lapses allowed Saudi Arabia to equalize both times.

In the dying minutes, a handball in the box gave the Flying Eagles a lifeline, and Bameyi stepped up to secure all three points with a composed finish from the spot.

Then Kparobo Arierhi failed to convert with only the goalkeeper to beat, and his team was punished minutes after when the Nigerian defence failed to clear a long punt forward, allowing Amar Al-Ayuba to ghost in behind and poke the loose ball beyond Ebenezer Harcourt for 1-1 on 21 minutes.

The Flying Eagles regained the lead in the 21st minute after executing a three-player free-kick routine that ended with Ochoche’s mishit cross looping into the far top corner, giving Nigeria a 2-1 lead at the break.

However, another deep long ball was Nigeria’s undoing early in the second half, as an unsure defence allowed Talal Haji to send a looping header over Harcourt and into the net for 2-2 on 50 minutes.

The Saudi Arabians almost took the lead with another long punt forward, but the chance hit the post before Nigeria’s continued attacking foray paid off with a penalty kick awarded for handball from a cross.

Bameyi, the team captain, stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way, sealing a 3-2 victory four minutes into added time.

The win brightened Nigeria’s chance of reaching the round of 16. The Flying Eagles moved up to third place in Group F with three points, one point behind both Colombia and Norway, who are in first and second spot, respectively.

The Flying Eagles will face Colombia in their last group fixture at midnight on October 6.

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Nigeria have announced their 23-man squad for October’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin on Friday, with head coach Eric Chelle handing Sevilla striker Akor Adams a maiden call-up.

Captain William Troost-Ekong headlines the team, while Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf and Olakunle Olusegun all return after spells away from the national side.

Stanley Nwabali retains his place as first-choice goalkeeper, supported by Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye, while Felix Agu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi, Benjamin Fredrick, and Calvin Bassey are drafted into defence.

In midfield, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Alhassan Yusuf provide Chelle with both experience and energy.

Nigeria’s forward line is led by Victor Osimhen and also features Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Terem Moffi, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, the returning Olakunle Olusegun and debutant Adams.

The announcement comes at a critical juncture in Group C of the African qualifiers.

Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the World Cup had appeared to be slipping away after five draws in eight matches, but FIFA’s recent sanction against South Africa has dramatically altered the picture.

The disciplinary ruling overturned South Africa’s 2–0 win against Lesotho in March, awarding a 3–0 victory to the Crocodiles and stripping Bafana Bafana of three crucial points.

The decision means Benin and South Africa are now tied at the top with 14 points each, Nigeria and Rwanda sit just behind on 11, while Lesotho have been lifted to nine. Zimbabwe remain bottom on four and is already eliminated.

For the Super Eagles, the sanction has breathed new life into their campaign. A win over Lesotho in Polokwane on October 10 would take them level on points with the leaders before their final home match against Benin in Uyo four days later.

Two victories could see Nigeria finish on 17 points, which may be enough to secure automatic qualification depending on South Africa’s results in Durban and Mbombela.

Should they fall short, Chelle’s side may still progress as one of the four best runners-up across Africa, but goal difference will then come into play.

Nigeria’s current tally of plus two leaves them at a disadvantage compared to Benin and South Africa, making emphatic victories all the more crucial if they are to secure a spot at the 2026 finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

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Manchester United have finalised a deal to sign 17-year-old Colombian midfielder Cristian Orozco from Fortaleza CEIF.

The agreement, confirmed by renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Thursday, will see the young talent join the Red Devils in the summer of 2026 upon turning 18.

According to Romano, all contracts have been approved by United’s lawyers, and the deal was coordinated by lead scout Gerardo Guzmán Antonaccio.

He said on X, “Manchester United have now sealed and signed a deal to bring in 17-year-old Colombian talent Cristian Orozco.

“$1m transfer fee from Fortaleza in a deal valid from summer 2026. #MUFC lawyers approved all the contracts, deal coordinated by lead scout Antonaccio.”

Orozco is a defensive midfielder and captain of Colombia’s Under-17 national team, who has been hailed as a promising talent with strong intensity and potential.

He led his country to the final of the Under-17 South American Championships last year, showcasing his leadership and skills in youth international competitions.

The teenager has made appearances in Colombia’s domestic league with Fortaleza CEIF.

Orozco joins a growing list of young talents at Old Trafford, including recent additions like Sekou Kone and Chido Obi-Martin.

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