Match summary

Nigeria overturned a tense, back-and-forth contest in Talca, with the Flying Eagles taking the lead early through Salihu Nasiru before a turbulent first half produced three goals. Saudi Arabia equalised twice, but captain Daniel Bameyi converted a dramatic stoppage-time penalty to clinch a 3–2 win and handed Nigeria three crucial group points.

Key moments (minute-by-minute highlights you can use as a timeline)

10′ — Nasiru opens the scoring. A well-worked build and cross from the right found Salihu Nasiru, who planted it home to make it 1–0.
21′ — Saudi reply. Amar Hamed Al Yuhaybi levelled for Saudi Arabia after they exploited an aerial mismatch.
38′ — Nigeria retakes the lead. Amos (A.) Ochoche finished a good move before halftime, giving Nigeria a 2–1 edge into the break.
50 2–2. Talal Abubakr Haji restored parity early in the second half with a composed finish. Match level again.
90+2′ — Penalty awarded. A last-ditch handball in the box on the Saudi side forced VAR/refs to point to the spot.
**90+4′ — Bameyi (pen) — winner. Captain Daniel Bameyi calmly converted the penalty to seal a dramatic 3–2 victory.

Man of the match (pick + reasoning)

Our pick — Daniel Bameyi (captain). He showed leadership across the game, and despite past tournament controversy around earlier matches, he stepped up when it mattered, converting the stoppage-time penalty to win it for Nigeria. (Note: official “Man of the Match” tags vary by outlet — this is a justified selection based on decisive action and match impact).

Tactical analysis — what each coach asked for and how it played out

Nigeria (Coach: Aliyu Zubairu — tactical summary)

Shape & intent: Zubairu set Nigeria up to dominate possession and attack down wide while using quick interchanges through Nasiru and Ochoche. That approach produced early pressure and the 10′ opener.
Attacking patterns: Nigeria relied on overlaps and cross-delivery from full-backs into the box — the opening goal and the 38′ finish both came from good wide play and late box arrivals.
Weakness exposed: Nigeria’s transitions were vulnerable — Saudi Arabia punished turnovers with quick counters (the 21′ and 50′ goals illustrate this). Zubairu’s second-half substitutions aimed to tighten midfield control and add fresh legs.

Saudi Arabia (Coach: Marcos Soares — tactical summary)

Structure & plan: Saudi Arabia played a compact counter-attacking game. They were dangerous after winning second balls and executed precise finishes. Their resilience saw them hit back twice.
What worked: Talal Abubakr Haji scorer, exploited the space left behind Nigeria’s advanced full-backs. They also adapted in the second half to push for control, earning the vital pressure that led to the late handball penalty.

Player focus — who impressed (top 4)

Daniel Bameyi (NGA) — captain, penalty taker; leadership and decisive finish.
Salihu Nasiru (NGA) — early goal & dangerous presence down the flank.
Amos Ochoche (NGA) — produced the second-half equaliser before the 50′ Saudi goal; lively around the box.
Talal Abubakr Haji (KSA) — composed finish to make it 2–2 and kept his side in the game.

What the result means (Group F implications / short take)

The win gives Nigeria a vital three points and keeps the Flying Eagles alive in the fight for a Round-of-16 slot, but group qualification will still depend on the final match against Colombia. Saudi Arabia remains in a precarious position and must respond in their remaining fixtures.

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