Coach of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, Aliyu Zubairu has hailed the fighting spirit of the team in thier spectacular victory over Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
Nigeria on Friday defeated Saudi Arabia 3-2 in a Group F match at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Talca, Chile.
Zubairu said the victory was a morale booster to the team, as it will spur them to greater confidence in their final group game against Colombia. He said his players showed great determination to earn the win.
“The players made up their minds that they had to go all out for the three points here, and that is what motivated them. Now it’s simple: we have to go all out for the three points against Colombia. It’s as simple as that,” he told FIFA.com.
The win against Saudi Arabia earned the Flying Eagles three points and boosted their chances of reaching the Round of 16.
Nasiru Salihu opened scoring for Nigeria in the 10th minute.
Saudi Arabia drew level in the 21st minute through Amar Alyuhaybi.
Amos Ochoche restored Nigeria’s lead seven minutes before the break. The first half ended 2-1 in favour of the Flying Eagles.
Talal Haji equalised for Saudi Arabia six minutes into the second half.
Nigeria sealed the win in stoppage time when skipper Daniel Bameyi converted a penalty to make it 3-2.
The result means Nigeria will qualify for the Round of 16 with at least a draw against Colombia on Monday.
