Flying Eagles coach Aliyu Zubairu has urged his players to ensure that they go all out to beat Colombia in their final group game of the 2025 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile.
Zubairu made the remarks during his post-match press conference after guiding the Flying Eagles to a hard-fought 3-2 win over Saudi Arabia in their second group game on Friday morning.
Well taken goals from Nasiru Salihu and Amos Ochoche either side of a delightful Amar Al Yuhaybi dink saw a breathless opening 45 minutes end 2-1 in favour of the Flying Eagles.
Six minutes after the resumption, Talal Haji, on as a half-time substitute, latched on to a lofted Mohammed Barnawi ball to loop a header past goalkeeper Ebenezar Harcourt to restore parity for a second time.
Just when things seemed headed for a draw, Nigeria were awarded a late penalty that captain Daniel Bameyi converted in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
That result sent the Flying Eagles to the third position on the group standings while Saudi Arabia have been eliminated.
Speaking to the official website of FIFA after the game, coach Zubairu praised his players for giving their all against Saudi Arabia, while urging them to ensure that they beat Colombia on Monday.
“The players made up their minds that they had to go all out for the three points here and that is what motivated them,” Zubairu said.
“Now, it is simple that we have to go all out for the three points against Colombia, it’s as simple as that.”
