Nigeria have booked a blockbuster round of 16 clash with Argentina at the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup after a dramatic 1-1 draw with Colombia in Talca on Monday morning.

Captain Daniel Bameyi’s late penalty ensured the Flying Eagles advanced as one of the best third-placed teams in Group F.

Bameyi delivers again under pressure

The Aliyu Zubairu-led side needed at least a point to stay alive, and did it the hard way.

After striking the post three times and conceding to Kener González early in the second half, Nigeria fought back through sheer determination.

Just six minutes from time, Kparobo Arierhi’s cross led to a VAR-reviewed handball, and Bameyi calmly converted the resulting penalty, his second successful spot-kick of the tournament to rescue a crucial draw for the West Africans.

Argentina await in round of 16

The result means Nigeria finish with four points, enough to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.

Their reward is a high-stakes showdown against Group D winners and tournament favourites Argentina.

With South Africa and Morocco the only other African nations left standing, the Flying Eagles will now look to channel their resilience from the group stage into a statement performance against the South American giants.