Late Penalty, Big Drama: Nigeria U20 Outlast Saudi Arabia U20 in Chile Showdown
3 octobre 2025

Match context
Nigeria’s under-20 team faced Saudi Arabia’s youth side in a pulsating FIFA U-20 World Cup clash in Chile, at the Fiscal de Talca stadium. Saudi Arabia pressed early, while Nigeria battled back from behind, setting the stage for a dramatic finish that would keep the group wide open.
Turning points
Saudi Arabia struck first with a goal that came from a moment of defensive lapse by the Nigerians, capitalizing in the 10th minute to take the lead. Nigeria hit back with a header from Saliu Nasiru that levelled the match at 1-1. The Saudis’ response came quickly as Ammar Al-Yehibi rose to meet a cross and restore the lead for the Green Falcons in the 21st minute.
As the first half progressed, Amos Oshosh fired a dangerous free-kick that clipped the bar, and in the 38th minute Nigeria took a deserved lead after Oshosh struck a precise finish from a set-piece. The second period brought a renewed Nigerian push, and Talal Hajji equalized with a towering header in the 50th minute, signaling a tie that seemed headed for a tense finish.
Video assistance played its part in denying a late Saudi penalty in the 59th minute after a review, keeping the score at 2-2. Then came the decisive moment in stoppage time as Daniel Bami converted a spot-kick for Nigeria, sealing a dramatic 3-2 victory for the African side.
Aftermath and reactions
Post-match, Nigeria’s coach Marcos Suarez expressed disappointment at the conceding errors but praised his players for their resilience and belief to chase the win. Saudi coach and players stressed the importance of recovering quickly as the group stage continues, with qualification still within reach if results swing their way. The result leaves Group Six with Colombia and Norway ahead on points, while Nigeria sit on three, keeping hope alive for a potential best-third spot.
Amar Al-Yehibi stood out for Saudi, having already made history by scoring their first goal of the tournament in Chile, while Nigeria’s Amr Al-Hayani or similar names showed moments of individual brilliance and team cohesion that could propel them deeper into the competition.
Overall, the match delivered the high-stakes drama typical of World Cup youth football, with a late penalty deciding the fate of the scoreboard and a group that remains wide open as the rounds progress.
Punchline 1: If drama paid rent, that stoppage-time penalty would have funded the entire tournament moonlight.
Punchline 2: Tonight Nigeria found the exact moment the clock forgot to stop—goalkeepers everywhere should start carrying alarm clocks next to their gloves.