The FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025™ delivered thrills on Thursday, with late winner for Nigeria, emphatic win for South Africa and USA booking their place in the last 16 as four matches went down in Groups E and F.
In Talca, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles edged Saudi Arabia 3-2 in a pulsating Group F clash.
Nasiru Salihu and Amos Ochoche struck in the first half for the Flying Eagles of Nigeria.
However, Saudi Arabia twice responded through Amar Al Yuhaybi and Talal Haji.
Just when the match looked set for a draw, captain Daniel Bameyi converted a stoppage-time penalty to hand Nigeria victory.
The result knocked Saudi Arabia out of the competition and strengthen Nigeria qualification chances as a win in their last game against Colombia will be enough.
In the other Group F fixture, Colombia and Norway battled to a goalless draw, with the Europeans holding firm against constant pressure.
In Group E South Africa also bounced back in style, thrashing New Caledonia 5-0 in Rancagua to secure their first points of the tournament.
Siviwe Nkwali opened the scoring before Shakeel April converted a penalty.
A brace from Siviwe Magidigidi and a late strike by Lazola Maku capped off a dominant display.
Coach Raymond Mdaka praised his team but insisted they could have scored more.
The South Africans must avoid defeat against rampaging Americans to book a place in the next round.
Elsewhere in Group E, the USA sealed their place in the knockout stages with a dramatic late surge to beat France 3-0.
Zavier Gozo broke the deadlock in the 85th minute before setting up Brooklyn Raines three minutes later.
Marcos Zambrano added a stoppage-time third to secure top spot and condemn France to their first defeat of the tournament.
Results at a glance:
Group E:
USA 3-0 France; South
Africa 5-0 New Caledonia
Group F: Nigeria 3-2 Saudi Arabia
Colombia 0-0 Norway
