Nigeria’s U-20 side qualified for the Round of 16 of the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland following their 1-1 draw against Ukraine on Thursday. The African side qualified as best losers with four points.
Danylo Sikan headed home from close range in the 30th minute to give Ukraine a 1-0 lead.
Nigeria looked to have lifeline in the closing stages of the first half when a penalty was awarded to them after Muhamed Tijani was fouled in the box. Ukraine goalkeeper Andriy Lunin saved the resultant spot kick.
In the second half, Nigeria were awarded a second penalty in the 47th minute after VAR confirmed that Denys Popov handled the ball in the area.
Tijani made ammends for his first half miss, firing past Lunin this time to ensure the two sides shared the spoils.
In the other group match, USA beat Qatar 1-0 to finish second in the group with six points, a point behind group leaders Ukraine and two above Nigeria.
Nigeria join fellow West African side, Senegal in the last 16 stage of the competition.
Today, Mali will play France with a chance to clinch a place in the next round, while South Africa face an uphil task to advance when they face Portugal.
