Flying Eagles Depart for Chile, Set Sights on First FIFA U-20 World Cup Title

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have officially departed Abuja for Chile to finalize their preparations ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, which will take place from September 27 to October 19, 2025. The team, under the leadership of head coach Aliyu Zubairu, aims to surpass their quarterfinal finish in the 2023 edition held in Argentina and to clinch their first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup title..

The Flying Eagles completed a month-long training camp in Abuja and are now beginning a 12-day final training camp in Chile, which includes friendly matches against local Chilean teams. This preparation is designed to help the players adapt to South American weather, altitude, and playing conditions.

Nigeria has been drawn into Group F, where they will face Colombia, Saudi Arabia, and Norway. Their group-stage matches, converted to Nigeria Time (WAT, UTC+1), are scheduled as follows:

• Monday, September 29: Norway vs Nigeria at 8:00 PM WAT
• Thursday, October 2: Nigeria vs Saudi Arabia at 8:00 PM WAT
• Sunday, October 5: Nigeria vs Colombia at 8:00 PM WAT

The 21-man squad selected by coach Aliyu Zubairu features a blend of talents from Nigerian academies, the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), and European clubs. Notable players include Kparobo Arierhi (loaned to Norwegian club Mjøndalen IF from Lillestrøm SK), goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt of Sporting Lagos, and Daniel Daga from Molde FK. The squad also features promising talents from clubs such as Manchester City, Stade de Reims, and Slovenian side Primorje Ajdovščina.

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Coach Zubairu stressed the team’s ambition and respect for their group opponents, emphasizing their determination not to underestimate any team and their focus on progressing beyond their previous performances.

As the Flying Eagles embark on this pivotal journey, they carry the aspirations of Nigerian football fans hoping to see the team soar to new heights on the world stage.