Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will leave for Chile on Sunday as they gear up for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in the South American nation, Afrosport reports.
The seven-time African champions concluded their preparations with a dominant 5–0 victory over Access Academy in a friendly on Friday. A number of Europe-based professionals are expected to join the squad en route to South America once the final selection is confirmed.
Head coach Aliyu Zubairu is set to announce his final squad list on Saturday, as Nigeria chase a maiden U-20 World Cup crown. The Flying Eagles have twice come close, finishing as runners-up in 1989 to Portugal and again in 2005 when they lost to a Lionel Messi-led Argentina.
The Nigerian contingent will camp in Chile for two weeks before beginning their Group F campaign against Norway. Saudi Arabia and Colombia complete what promises to be a challenging pool.
This year’s U-20 World Cup will take place between 27 September and 19 October across four Chilean cities: Santiago, Rancagua, Valparaiso, and Talca. Nigeria will be one of four African representatives at the tournament, alongside reigning African champions South Africa, Morocco, and Egypt.
Zubairu’s side will be looking to surpass recent performances, having settled for silver at the WAFU B U-20 Championship and bronze at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
