How Zubairu’s second-half plan helped Nigeria contain Colombia and advance at U20 World Cup

Flying Eagles of Nigeria booked their spot in the Round of 16 of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Colombia in Talca on Monday morning, Soccernet.ng reports.

It was a game that tested the tactical discipline of Aliyu Zubairu’s boys, who needed at least a point to secure qualification.

Despite falling behind early in the second half, the team showed composure to fight back thanks to a late Daniel Bameyi penalty that secured their ticket as one of the best third-placed teams in the group.

Zubairu's Second-Half Plan against Colombia

Head coach Aliyu Zubairu has revealed that a key tactical shift at halftime made the difference for the Flying Eagles.

The Nigerian gaffer admitted that the Colombians were physical on the ball, which posed challenges in the opening stages, but his team adjusted quickly after the break.

“Before the game started, we knew they were a physically fit side and equally good on the ball,” Zubairu said via FIFA plus.
“So when we came back for the second half, we denied them the opportunity to receive passes. I think that gave us a little edge against them in the second half, and we made sure to keep them at bay. They couldn’t come out of their shell, and that eventually prompted the penalty we got.”

The Flying Eagles implemented a high press and closed down spaces in the midfield, which prevented the South Americans from dictating the game.

The approach supposedly frustrated the Colombians, which allowed Nigeria to gain confidence going forward.

How Persistence Paid Off For Nigeria

Nigeria had earlier struck the woodwork three times through Kparobo Arierhi, Tahir Maigana, and Sani Suleiman, as luck seemed to desert them in front of goal.

However, their persistence eventually paid off when Maigana’s goal-bound effort brushed the arm of a Colombian defender inside the box.

After a VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot, and captain Daniel Bameyi, who had previously scored a late penalty against Saudi Arabia, stepped up once again.

The Primorje defender made no mistake from 12 yards, coolly sending Jordan García the wrong way in the 84th minute.

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Zubairu Confident Ahead of Flying Eagles' R16 Clash

The draw secured Nigeria’s place in the last 16, where they will face Group D winners Argentina in what is a repeat of the quarter-final pairing of the last tournament in Argentina.

The Flying Eagles coach, however, insists his team is ready for any challenge.

“All we want is to qualify for the next round, and we are not selective about the opponents at all,” he said.

While praising his players’ effort, he went on to express confidence in their ability to go further in the tournament.

“Of course, we are confident about our display. It was not an easy match, but the boys stood their ground,” Zubairu added.“They were very proactive and fought until we got the draw, which is very good for the team.”

Nigeria now join France, South Korea, and Spain as one of the four best third-placed teams at the U-20 World Cup.

Alongside South Africa and Morocco, they will fly Africa’s flag in the next round as they continue to chase glory in Chile.