Ahead of today’s international friendly game between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Saudi Arabia, Completesports.com’s JAMES AGBEREBI looks at past encounters for both teams against each other at all levels.
– Group stage at 1985 FIFA U-17 World Cup
Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets were in the same group with Saudi Arabia at the maiden FIFA U-17 World Cup in China.
After winning their opening games, the Eaglets and Saudi Arabia played out a goalless against each other.
The two teams advanced to the quarter-finals with the Eaglets going on to win the tournament.
– Group stage at 1989 FIFA U-20 World Cup
The Flying Eagles kicked off their campaign at the 1989 FIFA U-20 World Cup against hosts Saudi Arabia.
The home team struck first in the 16th minute but second half goals from Mutiu Adepoju and Christopher Ohenhen secured a 2-1 win.
While the Flying Eagles joined Portugal as the two teams that qualified from the group the hosts and Czechoslovakia crashed out.
– Quarter-finals 1989 FIFA U-17 World Cup
The Golden Eaglets clashed with Saudi Arabia in the quarter-finals of the 1989 U-17 World Cup in Scotland.
After a goalless affair in 120 minutes, the Arab country went on to win 2-0 on penalty shootout.
Also Read: 2023 AFCON: Why Super Eagles Group Will Be Tough —Mba
– Group stage 2011 U-20 FIFA World Cup
The Flying Eagles met Saudi Arabia in the group stage of the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Just like the first encounter in 1989, the Flying Eagles once again triumphed, this time securing a 2-0 win.
The two teams progressed to the round of 16 and while the Flying Eagles exited at the quarterfinals.
– Friendly match in 2010, Super Eagles vs Saudi Arabia
The first time Nigeria and Saudi Arabia met in the senior level for men was in a friendly game in 2010.
After 90 minutes of football, both sides settled for a goalless draw.
Current Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro, was in charge of the Arabians back then.
