Flying Eagles defender Amos Ochoche in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has dedicated his first international goal for Nigeria to his father, whom he described as his biggest supporter throughout his football career.
The Stade de Reims youngster was on target as Nigeria edged Saudi Arabia 3-2 in a thrilling Group F clash at the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia.
Here’s your #FlyingEagles team to face Saudi Arabia tonight pic.twitter.com/1gx47iCBbE
— The NFF 🇳🇬 (@thenff) October 2, 2025
Nasiru Salihu opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 10th minute, before Amar Alyuhaybi equalised for the Saudis in the 21st minute. The Flying Eagles restored their lead seven minutes before half-time through Ochoche’s well-taken strike.
Six minutes after the restart, Saudi Arabia hit back again through Talal Haji, but Nigeria had the final say deep into stoppage time when captain Daniel Bameyi coolly converted a penalty to secure the win.
Speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa, Ochoche expressed his delight at finding the net for the first time on the international stage.
“I am very happy for my first international goal. I am so happy to score for Nigeria because this is my first international tournament for my country. I am very happy for the win and to be among the goalscorers for my team,” he said.
Reflecting on the contest, Ochoche praised the Saudi side for their performance:
“The Saudi Arabians are a very good side. I think they outplayed us in the second half, which is a normal thing that happens in football. But we were able to stand our ground and eventually got the victory.”
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Looking ahead, the defender stressed that the team’s attention has already shifted to their decisive final group game against hosts Colombia:
“Yeah, we are prepared for the game against Colombia. This win against Saudi Arabia has given us a lot of confidence. We hope we can win the game against the Colombians and move to the Round of 16. From there, we will keep progressing until we win the trophy. I am very, very confident about that. I want to dedicate the goal to my father, who has been very supportive of my career.”
The victory leaves Nigeria, two-time FIFA U-20 World Cup finalists, with a chance to secure qualification for the Round of 16 if they can get a result against Colombia on Monday.
