CNigeria’s Flying Eagles have landed in Santiago, Chile, to begin the final lap of their journey to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
The team left Abuja on Sunday night, carrying hopes of a nation and dreams of lifting a trophy that has long eluded them.
The tournament kicks off on September 27 and ends October 19. Nigeria, drawn in Group F, will face Norway, Saudi Arabia, and Colombia.
“We’re here to adapt, to prepare, and to win,” said head coach Aliyu Zubairu, whose squad blends homegrown talent with overseas experience.
Training Camp and Squad Challenges
The Flying Eagles will spend two weeks in Chile, playing warm-up matches against local clubs. These games will help the players adjust to South America’s climate and altitude.
Zubairu has named a provisional squad featuring Kparobo Arierhi of Mjøndalen IF and Sporting Lagos goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt. Defender Adamu Ba’aba Maigari was ruled out due to a knee injury.
Nigeria U20 (Flying Eagles) Ready for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile pic.twitter.com/IHKUu9CsR2
— Dr. Victor Ademola (@AdemolaVictorTv) September 14, 2025
“We’ll announce the final 21-man squad on September 19,” Zubairu confirmed.
Nigeria’s campaign begins against Norway on September 29, followed by Saudi Arabia on October 2. The final group match against Colombia on October 5 could decide their fate.
History and Hope
Nigeria has finished as runners-up twice—in 1989 and 2005. This time, the Flying Eagles want more than silver.
“We’ve come close before. Now, we want to finish the job,” Zubairu said.
The team’s journey began with the WAFU B U-20 Cup, where they reached the final. Captain Daniel Bameyi, named in the U-20 AFCON Team of the Tournament, will lead the charge.
Some key players like Emmanuel Chukwu and Ibrahim Hafiz were withheld by their clubs, as the tournament isn’t on FIFA’s official calendar. Still, Zubairu remains optimistic.
“We’ll fight with what we have. This team is ready,” he declared.
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