The Flying Eagles of Nigeria bounced back in style at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, edging Saudi Arabia 3-2 in a pulsating encounter on Thursday.

Nigeria started brightly as Nasiru Salihu opened the scoring with a superb header in the 10th minute. The West Africans nearly doubled their advantage moments later, but the Saudi goalkeeper brilliantly kept Kparobo Ariehi’s effort out.

Saudi Arabia fought back, with Amar Al Yuhaybi equalising in the 21st minute. However, the Flying Eagles regained the lead before halftime when right-back Amos Ochoche struck powerfully from inside the box in the 38th minute.

The Saudis came out stronger after the break and were rewarded when substitute Talal Haji restored parity with a fine header five minutes into the second half.

When it looked like both sides would share the spoils, Nigeria’s captain Daniel Bameyi held his nerve to score a stoppage-time penalty, sealing all three points for the seven-time African champions.

The result pushes Nigeria to third place in Group F with three points from two matches, while Colombia and Norway remain joint leaders on four points each.

The Flying Eagles will face Colombia in their final group game on Sunday morning, with a place in the knockout stages at stake.