In the pursuit of becoming the second African team to lift the FIFA U20 World Cup, the Flying Eagles of Nigeria fought back from deficit to draw their last pre-World Cup friendly.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles were able to withstand the energy of the Colombian U20 national team as they came from a two-goal shortfall to draw 3-3 with the South Americans in a friendly match played at the October 20 Stadium in Tristan Suarez on Tuesday night.
The clash was Nigeria’s last international friendly match before their face off with the Dominican Republic in their opening match of the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup in Argentina.
According to Soccernet, the Flying Eagles arrived at the venue in high spirit after soaring to a 3-2 victory over Club Almirante Brown at the weekend.
But things quickly turned sour for the Ladan Bosso-tutored boys after Colombia netted the opening goal courtesy of an unfortunate own goal in the 20th minute.
Nigeria’s defence caved in yet again nine minutes later as they conceded a penalty which Óscar Manuel Cortés converted to double Colombia’s lead.
The Flying Eagles responded brilliantly and reduced the deficit through Jude Sunday five minutes before halftime following a good team move.
However, any hopes of Nigeria completing the comeback were punctured shortly after the restart when Yaser Asprilla found the back of the net for La Tricolor to restore the South Americans’ two-goal advantage.
And when it appeared like the Flying Eagles were out and beaten, they managed to pull off an incredible comeback. Mohammed Beji scored in the 65th before Emmanuel Umeh fired home Nigeria’s third in the 78th minute to draw level.
After this friendly game with Colombia, the Flying Eagles will depart Buenos Aires and fly to Mendoza, where they will play their Group D matches.
Nigeria’s first game at the U20 World Cup is against the Dominican Republic on May 21 before they trade tackles with Italy on May 24. The Flying Eagles’ final group game will be versus Brazil on May 27, 2023.
