Flying Eagles stage thrilling comeback in friendly stalemate against Colombia

Salahudeen SulaymanMay 16, 2023

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Nigeria’s Flying Eagles secured a 3-3 draw against Colombia’s U-20 side in their final preparatory match ahead of the U-20 FIFA World Cup in Argentina.

The Nigerian side followed up their win over Argentine second-division Club Almirante Brown’s reserve side with a thrilling draw against the Colombians.

Still awaiting AC Milan prodigy Victor Eletu in camp, the Flying Eagles continued to prepare without the 18-year-old against their South American opponents.

Colombia drew first blood in the game after 20 minutes when Trelleborgs FF defender Abel Ogwuche put the ball into his own net unfortunately. The South American side scored their second in the 29th minute when Oscar Cortes fired home from the penalty spot, putting them in a comfortable position.

With half-time approaching, enterprising forward Jude Sunday pulled one back for Nigeria in the 40th minute, halving the deficit as both teams retired for the break.

Colombia emerged for the second half and quickly found a third goal shortly before the hour mark through highly-rated Watford midfielder Yaser Asprilla.

The Flying Eagles displayed their fighting spirit as they pulled one back through winger Ibrahim Muhammad Beji before Lokomotiv Plovdiv striker Emmanuel Umeh equalised for the Nigerian side with his second goal in as many games to salvage a draw in the game.

Nigeria have now secured a win and a draw in their two warm-up matches ahead of the FIFA U-20 World Cup. The Flying Eagles will kick off their campaign in the competition against debutants Dominican Republic on Sunday May 21st at 11am.