AfriPulse
Nigerias’ Flying Eagles – Getty image
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has released the final 20-man Flying Eagles squad for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup scheduled to take place in Chile later this month.
Head coach Aliyu Zubairu has opted for a balanced group consisting of three goalkeepers, six defenders, six midfielders, and five forwards as Nigeria bids to make an impact on the global stage.
Starlets from Europe and Nigeria included
The squad features a mix of homegrown talent and Europe-based youngsters. Manchester City’s Abdullahi Shitu Ele, Royal Antwerp striker Achichi Oseer, AS Trencin forward Sani Suleman, and Lillestrom’s Kparobo Arierhi are among the standout inclusions.
Molde midfielder Daniel Daga, who has already made senior national team appearances, is also expected to play a crucial role.
On the domestic front, Bayelsa United duo Clinton Ezekiel and Daniel Bameyi, along with Sporting Lagos goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, underline the strong representation from the Nigerian league.
FK Gabala’s Salihu Nasiru and Wireless Academy’s Tahir Maigana, both highly rated prospects, were also handed tickets to Chile.
Nigerias’ Flying Eagles – Getty image
Preparations ahead of group stage
The Flying Eagles departed Abuja on Sunday evening aboard a Turkish Airlines flight en route to Santiago, where they will complete their final phase of preparations.
Nigeria will test their readiness in warm-up friendlies against Chile on September 20 and Australia on September 23.
The draw for the tournament placed Nigeria in Group F alongside Colombia, Saudi Arabia, and Norway.
Their campaign kicks off against Norway on September 29 in Talca, with kickoff scheduled for 9 p.m. Nigerian time.
Nigeria’s record and expectations
Nigeria are seven-time African champions at U20 level but are still chasing their first world title, having finished runners-up twice in 1989 and 2005.
Full list of Flying Eagles’ 20-player squad for Fifa U20 World Cup
Goalkeepers: Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos); Clinton Ezekiel (Bayelsa United); Rufa’i Abubakar (Mavlon FC)
Defenders: Ocheche Amos Onyejefu (Stade de Reims, France); Odinaka Okoro (Sporting Lagos); Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United); Marvelous Avberosou (Ikorodu City); Alatan Azuka (36 Lions); Akinyele Ahmed Olamide (Remo Stars)
Midfielders: Israel Ayuma (NK Istra, Croatia); Emmanuel Ekowoicho (FC Montana, Bulgaria); Mustapha Kamaldeen (Kwara Football Academy); Daniel Daga (Molde FC, Norway); Auwal Ibrahim (Akwa United); Nasiru Salihu (Qabala FC, Azerbaijan)
Forwards: Achichi Oseer (Royal Antwerp FC, Belgium); Sani Suleman (AS Trencin, Slovakia); Tahir Maigana (Wireless FC); Kparobo Arierhi (Lillestrom SK, Norway); Charles Agaba (NK Istra, Croatia); Abdullahi Shitu Ele (Manchester City FC, England)
Source: Gistreel | Read the Full Story…
