Flying Eagles captain, Bameyi: ‘We’ve got the quality to go all the way’
Nigeria’s U-20 captain Daniel Bameyi delivered a dramatic 94th minute penalty to seal a thrilling 3-2 victory over Saudi Arabia, reigniting the Flying Eagles’ campaign at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
The win earned Nigeria its first three points of the tournament and kept hopes alive for a spot in the Round of 16.
Bameyi, now captaining the team for a second consecutive World Cup, is writing a remarkable chapter in Nigerian football history. Two years ago, he led the squad to the quarterfinals in Argentina at just 17. Now, at 19, he’s once again at the heart of Nigeria’s push for glory.
‘The last time I took part in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina, I remember we lost in the quarterfinals to Korea Republic. This time I told my teammates that we had to perform at our best from the first whistle to the last, and today we saw how the goal came in added time. I’m happy we got the three points after losing the first game,’ he told FIFA.com.
The match was a rollercoaster, with Nigeria taking the lead early, conceding twice, and finally clinching victory in stoppage time. Coach Aliyu Zubairu praised the team’s resilience.
‘We went ahead after ten minutes, but they equalised, then we got back in front and they drew level again. The lads understood that if we failed to get the three points in this match, we would edge closer to being knocked out of the tournament. So, we kept fighting to come out on top.’
Bameyi’s leadership has been central to Nigeria’s campaign. Coach Zubairu added.
‘Daniel is a standout player at this U20 World Cup. As a 16-year-old, he went to the 2023 edition and excelled. That’s why we’re now building the team around him. You can see how his experience guides the younger ones. He is a great leader who tells them what to do and sorts out any problems.’
Despite his modest frame, the Bayelsa United centre-back is a defensive powerhouse, quick, sharp, and nearly unbeatable in one on one duels. His tactical awareness and calm under pressure make him the backbone of the team.
Their 2023 quarterfinal run was their best in over a decade, and with Bameyi once again leading the charge, the dream of lifting the trophy feels closer than ever.
‘Nothing is impossible in football. It’s a tournament that my country hasn’t managed to win yet, and I think we’ve got the quality in our squad to do what it takes. It would be fantastic for my country if we could bring the trophy home,’ Bameyi said.
