Few teams in world football carry the weight of expectation at youth level quite like Nigeria’s Flying Eagles. For over four decades, they have thrilled fans with flair, resilience and have served as grooming ground of talent that has produced global stars. Yet, amid the glittering alumni and near-misses on the big stage, one prize remains stubbornly out of reach: the FIFA U-20 World Cup. As the class of 2025 jets into Chile for the 24th edition of the tournament, hope and history collide once more. Can this group, led by the fearless Daniel Bameyi and guided by the steady hand of coach Aliyu Zubairu, finally end Nigeria’s wait? TUNDE LIADI reports…
When the FIFA U-20 World Cup kicks off in Chile on September 27, 2025, all eyes in Nigeria will once again turn to the Flying Eagles. The seven-time African champions arrive with pedigree, belief and the lingering dream of lifting the one trophy that has long eluded them.
Since their debut in 1983, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have been a permanent fixture at this level, and will make a record 14th appearances — more than any other African nation when the upcoming edition kicks off in Chile in a few days.
Their finest hours came in 1989 in Saudi Arabia, where a side complete with Nduka Ugbade, a FIFA U-16 World Cup-winning captain and Christopher Ohenhen, a striking phenomenon had some heroic performances including the famous ‘Dammam Miracle’ where they bounced from a 4-0 deficit to beat the former Soviet Union (USSR) 5-3 on penalties en route to the final after only to be edged 2-0 by Portugal.
Nigeria nearly made the mark yet again in 2005 in Holland, when a team powered by John Obi Mikel and Taye Taiwo , finished as runners-up to Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
Quarter-final exits in 2023 (to South Korea in extra time) and in several earlier editions have cemented Nigeria’s reputation as perennial contenders who too often fall just short. So much so that the challenge in Chile is not just to participate but to finally cross the line.
Incidentally, Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s squad concluded a 12-day camp in Santiago, Chile fine-tuning their strategy with high-profile friendlies. A 1–1 draw against hosts Chile showed resilience while a commanding 3–1 victory over Australia — with goals from Tahir Maigana, Achihi Oseer, and Charles Agada — underlined attacking promise.
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The preparations were not without setbacks. Defender Freedom Marvelous was ruled out with a knee injury, replaced by Haruna Aliyu of Wikki Tourists.
But the mood in camp remains upbeat with Zubairu oozing with confidence as he reflected on the two pre-tournament’s friendly matches.
“We have gone a long way. Like you mentioned, the two matches that we played, I think the outcome or the result of the matches is not even what matters to us,” Zubairu said in an interview with Premium Times.
He continued: “What matters most is for us to identify where our problems are and to work on them. Where the deficiencies are, to work on them, which we are able to detect.
“If you see our match against Chile, we noticed a lot of deficiencies and we worked on them. And we realised against Australia, the corrections we made, they really worked. And we see improvement in the correction.
“The matches, the two matches are going to give us confidence, and it’s going to give us bearing for us to approach the World Cup proper. We really gained one or two things from the matches.”
“We’ve prepared well, and even though losing Marvelous is unfortunate, the squad remains focused.”
Zubairu further enthused that the Flying Eagles have overcome their goal scoring problems which plagued their campaign at the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
“Yes, compared to what happened in AFCON, there’s a lot of improvement. The four goals we have scored here (in Santiago), you can see that different players scored the four goals. Which was not like that in AFCON; our attacks were not biting at all during AFCON,” offered Zubairu. “But from the two matches we have played, we have seen a lot of improvement. The attack is biting better now, and we are exploiting all the spaces in the final third of the opponent.
“I believe that, before the World Cup proper, the little time we have, we are still going to work more on it. And I believe we are going to get it better during the World Cup proper,” he added.
Similarly Speaking from Santiago, Skipper Daniel Bameyi, already capped by the Super Eagles, embodies Nigeria’s hunger for glory in Chile where illustrious predecessors flatly faltered in 1987 despite oozing with talented players including the likes of Etim Esin, Ladi Babalola, Adekola and company.
“If we maintain belief, discipline and a positive attitude in every match, no obstacle is too big. We are not here merely to participate. Why not us? The dream is alive,” the Bayelsa United defender declared, praising the balance of Zubair’s tactical approach — defensive solidity mixed with attacking ambition.
Nigeria will play all their group matches at the Estadio Fiscal in Talca, beginning against Norway (September 29), before facing Saudi Arabia (October 2) and Colombia (October 5). With only the top two guaranteed progression, plus four of the best third-placed teams, margins will be tight.
Norway’s physicality, Saudi Arabia’s discipline and Colombia’s flair make Group F a minefield. But history shows Nigeria thrive in such competitive environments.
The Flying Eagles travel to Chile not just with youthful energy but also with a weight of expectation.
“Our goal is not just to participate but to surpass our past performances,” Zubair added.
For Nigeria, the wait for a first U-20 World Cup crown continues. But in Chile, belief burns bright that the Flying Eagles can finally soar highest.
FIVE FLYING EAGLES TO THRILL IN CHILE:
Daniel Bameyi (Defender, Bayelsa United): Inspirational captain, dominant in the air, and leader of the back line.
Daniel Daga (Midfielder, Molde FK, Norway): Calm orchestrator, vital in transitions, with European experience to steady the midfield.
Kparobo Arierhi (Forward, Lillestrom SK, Norway): Prolific finisher whose movement and eye for goal make him Nigeria’s main attacking threat.
Abdullahi Shitu Ele (Forward, Manchester City): The wildcard; if he finds rhythm, Nigeria could have the firepower to match any side.
Ebenezer Harcourt (Goalkeeper, Sporting Lagos): Promising shot-stopper expected to shoulder responsibility between the posts.
Flying Eagles Squad at Chile 2025:
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); Haruna Aliyu (Wikki Tourists); 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).