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Nigeria’s Flying Eagles set sights on deep run at the U20 World Cup in Chile

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Nigeria arrive at the FIFA U-20 World Cup which kicks off in Chile this weekend with pedigree, purpose and a familiar target: go further than anyone expects. 

The Flying Eagles, bronze medallists at the TotalEneegies U-20 AFCON in Egypt earlier this year, will play in the tournament which will be held in Chile from 27 September to 19 October 2025.

The Nigerians are back on the global stage for a record 14th appearance by an African nation at this tournament. 

Drawn in Group F with Colombia, Norway and Saudi Arabia, they open against the Saudis before a European double that will test credentials early.

History says Nigeria handle this stage well—two-time runners-up (1989, 2005) and quarter-finalists as recently as 2023—and the class of 2025 believes it can push into the latter rounds again.

Tournament record

  • Appearances: 14 (including 2025)

  • Best finish: Runners-up (1989, 2005)

  • Most recent run: Quarter-finals (2023)

Nigeria’s tradition at this level is undeniable.

With a balanced squad, a defined way of playing and match-winners in the final third, the Flying Eagles head to Chile believing the knockout rounds are more a target than a dream—and that a long October is possible.

How they qualified

Nigeria qualified as third place at the U-20 AFCON Egypt 2025, navigating a tight tournament in which margins were thin and clean sheets had premium value.

That run ensured Africa would again be represented by one of its most consistent youth programmes; the Flying Eagles have produced alumni from Mikel John Obi to Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze.

The coach: Aliyu Zubair

The Flying Eagles are led by Aliyu Zubair, appointed in 2025 with a clear brief to refresh the squad and keep Nigeria competitive at elite youth level.

Zubair’s group blends home-based NPFL talent with teenagers cutting their teeth in Europe.

His teams are compact without the ball and quick to break, using wide runners to stretch the game and a mobile No9 to finish moves.

Star turn & ones to watch

  • Kparobo Arierhi – A powerful centre-forward whose movement across the line and penalty-box instincts stood out during qualifying. He attacks near-post spaces, presses willingly and offers a constant outlet for long diagonals.

  • Daniel Daga – Midfield metronome. Breaks up play, recycles possession and steps forward to punch passes between the lines; his calm on the ball gives Nigeria control in tight matches.

  • Abduljelil Kamaldeen – Direct winger with pace to burn and a knack for big-game moments; expect him to carry threat on counters and set-piece deliveries.

  • Daniel Bameyi – Aerially dominant defender who relishes duels and organizes the back four; useful at attacking set plays.

Style & likely approach

Zubair’s blueprint is pragmatic and tournament-friendly:

  • Base shape: 4-3-3 that can flatten into a 4-1-4-1 without the ball.

  • Pressing: Mid-block with triggers on backward passes; full-backs step high when Nigeria lock play to a flank.

  • Transitions: Quick verticality through Daga; wingers attack the half-spaces to feed Arierhi.

  • Set-pieces: A real weapon—centre-backs and Arierhi provide size; rehearsed routines target the near post.

Nigeria’s Group F fixtures (local time)

  • Nigeria v Saudi Arabia – Monday, 29 September

  • Norway v Nigeria – Wednesday, 1 October

  • Nigeria v Colombia – Saturday, 4 October

(Knockout qualification: top two in each group plus the four best third-placed teams.)

Group F outlook

Saudi Arabia offer a stern opener—technically neat and disciplined—but it’s the European pair that frame the section.

Norway will test Nigeria physically and from dead balls; Colombia bring tempo and flair.

If the Flying Eagles manage game states—especially after scoring—and keep discipline at set-pieces, top two is within reach, with the safety net of the third-place route.

Momentum from matchday one could tilt the whole campaign.