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Tag: Flying Eagles

  • Flying Eagles to know World Cup foes Thursday

    Flying Eagles to know World Cup foes Thursday

    Nigeria’s U20 national team, the Flying Eagles will know their group-stage opponents at the FIFA U20 World Cup on Thursday when FIFA conducts the official draw for the tournament.

    The team secured qualification for the tournament after reaching the semi-finals of the recently concluded Africa U20 Cup of Nations held in Egypt.

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    Alongside Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt, and eventual champions South Africa also earned their spots in the global competition.

    The draw is scheduled to take place in Santiago, the capital of Chile.

    The Flying Eagles have twice reached the final of the U20 World Cup — in 1989 and 2005 — and will be aiming to go one step further this time around.

  • FIFA U-20 World Cup: Zubairu seeks Flying Eagles improvement 

    FIFA U-20 World Cup: Zubairu seeks Flying Eagles improvement 

    • By Kareem Yusuf

    Head Coach  Aliyu Zubairu has assured that the Flying Eagles will be fully prepared for  the FIFA U-20 World Cup following their  bronze medal finish  at the just concluded  CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations(AFCON) in Egypt.
     Speaking upon the team’s return to the country yesterday, Zubairu emphasized the importance of early preparation, stating that the team would need at least  three months of intensive training in order to compete  against the rest of the  world  at the FIFA U-20 World Cup to  be held in  Chile in September.

    “We will start early training for a minimum of three or four months, which will be sufficient to get the team ready,” he said.

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    Reflecting on the team’s recent performance at the U-20 AFCON tournament, Zubairu acknowledged the need for improvement ahead of the Mundial.

    He  noted that the U-20 AFCON  has  offered valuable insights into the team’s shortcomings.

     “The tournament  gave us the opportunity to identify the deficits of the team. We’ve spoken with the players, and starting early with our preparation will allow us to address those areas effectively,” he added.

    The Amajita of south Africa  beat their Moroccan counterparts 1-0 in Sunday’s final match to be crowned the  African champions  for the first time. Nigeria beat hosts,  Egypt, to clinch the bronze medals.

    The Flying Eagles returned to the country via Abuja  from the just-concluded U20 AFCON in Egypt, where they won the bronze medals and also earned a ticket to the forthcoming   FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile.

  • Flying Eagles urged to sharpen attack before World Cup

    Flying Eagles urged to sharpen attack before World Cup

    Former Flying Eagles midfielder, Chidi Osuchukwu, has shared his thoughts on Nigeria’s campaign at the ongoing U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, expressing cautious optimism despite the team’s semifinal exit, according to Sports247.

    While the Flying Eagles narrowly missed out on a spot in the final after a 1-0 loss to South Africa’s Amajita, Chidi believes the team’s overall performance should not be dismissed, especially with a valuable World Cup ticket already secured.

    “I’m not too disappointed. These boys showed fight and got the most important thing — World Cup qualification,” Osuchukwu told reporters. “Now it’s about improving from here.”

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    The former midfielder, who featured for Nigeria at youth level, identified the attacking line as an area in need of urgent attention if the team is to excel at the global stage.

    “Our biggest challenge was clear — finishing. We created chances but couldn’t convert. The coaches must fix this before September,” he noted.

  • U-20 AFCON: South Africa defeat Flying Eagles 1-0 to reach final

    U-20 AFCON: South Africa defeat Flying Eagles 1-0 to reach final

    Nigeria’s hopes of winning the 2025 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations have come to an end following a narrow 1-0 defeat to South Africa’s Amajita in Thursday’s semifinal clash, held on May 15, 2025.

    Led by coach Aliyu Zubairu, the Flying Eagles entered the contest on the back of a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Senegal in the quarterfinals—a win that also secured their qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup. However, their AFCON journey fell short of the final hurdle.

    Read Also: Egypt 2025: Zubairu tips Flying Eagles to thrash ‘arch-rivals’ South Africa

    The semifinal was a tense, tactical encounter, with both sides relying heavily on counter-attacking football. Despite dominating possession, the Flying Eagles struggled to convert their control into clear-cut chances, and the first half ended goalless.

    The second half brought a major setback for Nigeria when 15-year-old goalkeeper Ebenezer Ifeanyi-Harcourt was forced off due to injury. He was replaced in the 51st minute by Ajia Soliu Yakub.

    Yakub, however, was unable to prevent South Africa from breaking the deadlock. In the 66th minute, Tylon Christopher Smith rose to meet a cross and headed home what would prove to be the match-winner.

    Despite late substitutions and a push for an equalizer, Nigeria couldn’t find a way back into the game, allowing South Africa to advance to the final while the Flying Eagles were left to reflect on what might have been.

  • Nigeria vs. South Africa: Siasia urges Flying Eagles to  go all out against Amajita

    Nigeria vs. South Africa: Siasia urges Flying Eagles to  go all out against Amajita

    Salutes team’s  World Cup Qualification

    By Kareem Yusuf

    Former Flying Eagles coach, Samson Siasia, has urged  Nigeria’s U-20 national team to be  focused on today’s  semi-final clash against the Amajita of South Africa  and not  to be complacent following their qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

    Siasia who nearly  won the FIFA U-20 World  with  the Flying Eagles in 2009,  commended the current  team’s achievement, noting the significance of securing a place at the global tournament.

     “They have done very well in qualifying for the World Cup, which is very important,” the former Super Eagles’ striker told Brila Fm. “This  has  been a  good exposure for the young players, just like we saw with Victor Osimhen, who made the most of his opportunity and is now excelling.”

    The former national team coach, stressed the importance of maintaining discipline and building on their success when they face  South Africa today.

     “They shouldn’t relax now. Every match going forward is crucial one mistake, and you’re out,” Siasia warned. “You can’t get to this stage(semi-final)  and not aim for the final. That wouldn’t make sense.”

    He further advised the players to adhere strictly to their coaches’ instructions and make better use of the scoring chances they create.

     “The key is to prepare better, play smarter, and listen to your coaches. They must correct their mistakes and stay sharp. That’s how they’ll go far,” he added.

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    In a related development,  the list  of the 24 teams to compete  at the 24th  FIFA U-20 World Cup to be staged in Chile between   September 27th and  October 19th  is now completed  with  African quartet.

    Two-time World Cup  runners-up and one-time bronze-medallists , Nigeria  will lead the African challenge that also includes Egypt, Morocco and South Africa.

    Ghana, the only African country to have won the championship (when Egypt hosted in 1999), failed to reach this year’s global finals after penalty shoot-out defeat by hosts Egypt in the quarter-finals of the ongoing African finals.

    Nigeria lost to Portugal in the final of the 1989 championship in Saudi Arabia, and to Argentina in Holland in 2005. After losing their semi-final tie to Brazil in 1985, the Flying Eagles defeated host nation USSR after penalty shoot-out to pick up the bronze medals.

    ALL THE FINALISTS FOR CHILE 2025

    Chile (hosts) , Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Australia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Korea Republic, France, Italy, Spain, Norway, Ukraine, USA, Mexico, Panama, Cuba, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, New Zealand & New Caledonia.

  • Egypt 2025: Resilient  Flying Eagles  beat  Senegal to  qualify for  U20 World Cup finals

    Egypt 2025: Resilient  Flying Eagles  beat  Senegal to  qualify for  U20 World Cup finals

    Two-time runners-up Nigeria have again booked their ticket to the FIFA U20 World Cup finals after edging out Cup holders Senegal from the CAF U20 Cup of Nations in Egypt.

    In the event, the Flying Eagles hearkened to the charge by NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi on Saturday, for the team to play with a different spirit and character.

    A battling encounter at the Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia  yesterday finished scoreless even after extra time, and the encounter had to be settled after penalty shootout in Egypt’s third city.

    Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt turned out to be the hero, punching over a vicious shot by the dangerous Ibrahima Dieng in the 54th minute, and then saving two kicks in the shootout before Ousmane Konate blasted his kick against the sticks to hand victory to the Flying Eagles.

    An intense opening stage in sunny Ismailia soon gave way to back-and-forth, and the defending champions came close in the 27th  minute when Harcourt inadvertently dropped the ball but Dieng failed to find gold. Fifteen minutes later, the Lion Cubs again broke forward, but Dieng’s header saw the ball kiss the upright.

    Nigeria largely controlled proceedings in the last quarter-hour, with Divine Oliseh, Kparobo Arierhi and substitute Precious Benjamin all missing good chances.

    Read Also: AFCON U20: Flying Eagles will start  ‘fast and furious’ against Kenya, says Zubairu

    In extra time, substitute Tahir Maigana rattled Senegal goalkeeper Mouhamed Sissokho with a great shot from distance, and Israel Ayuma’s heaved effort from a free-kick on the left forced Sissokho to backtrack quickly and punch the ball over the bar.

    After substitute Pierre Diatta Dorival’s first kick in the shootout was saved by Harcourt and Precious Benjamin scored, Nigeria rose to the ascendancy, and won after further goals by Emmanuel Chukwu and Israel Ayuma, while the Senegalese could only score one of their four kicks.

    President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, expressed delight that the Flying Eagles have picked a ticket to the World Cup finals.

    “The ticket to the World Cup was the first objective and we have achieved that. The second objective is to win the trophy, and after congratulating the team for their effort, I have reminded them that the country is waiting for them to bring the trophy back home.” 

  • Flying Eagles to gun for AFCON title after  Senegal win, says Zubairu

    Flying Eagles to gun for AFCON title after  Senegal win, says Zubairu

    Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has praised the mental strength and tactical discipline of  his wards after they sealed a place in the semifinals of the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025 to book a ticket to the forthcoming  FIFA U-20 World Cup to be hosted in Chile.

    In a tense quarter-final clash at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, Nigeria eliminated the defending champions, Senegal 3-1 on penalties  after  the two West African football powerhouses  tied goalless after 120 minutes of fierce action.

    But it was  the Flying Eagles  that held their nerve from the spot, with expertly taken penalties and a standout performance by goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt who saved  two kicks in the shootout before Ousmane Konate blasted his kick against the sticks to hand victory to Nigeria.

     “We trained for this moment. Every possible scenario was prepared for — including penalties. The boys stuck to the plan and executed it when it mattered the most. That’s what champions do,” Zubairu  noted after the match.

    Read Also: Egypt 2025: Flying Eagles target World Cup at Senegal’s expense

    Zubairu, who led the team through an unbeaten group stage, commended the focus and unity in his squad, adding that the journey is far from over.

    He Said:  “This is a big win for Nigeria, but we are not celebrating yet. We came here with a goal — to qualify for the World Cup and challenge for the title. One box is ticked, now we keep pushing.

    “They’ve matured through every game — tactically, mentally, emotionally. That’s the true development path, and I’m proud of every single one of them.”

    The win not only keeps Nigeria’s AFCON title hopes alive but also marks a return to the FIFA U-20 World Cup — the first since 2019 — reaffirming the country’s pedigree in youth football.

  • Flying Eagles beat Senegal, advance to U-20 AFCON semifinals

    Flying Eagles beat Senegal, advance to U-20 AFCON semifinals

    Nigeria’s U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, have booked their place in the semifinals of the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations and secured qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup following a tense penalty shootout victory over Senegal.

    The quarter-final clash ended 0-0 after regulation and extra time, with both sides unable to find a breakthrough despite several chances.

    Read Also: AFCON U-20: Flying Eagles need prayers to beat Senegal, says Manu Garba

    In the ensuing shootout, Nigeria held their nerve to convert three penalties, while Senegal managed just one.

    The hard-fought win not only propels the Flying Eagles into the last four of the continental tournament but also guarantees their spot at the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup, adding another milestone to their proud youth football legacy.

  • U20 AFCON: Flying Eagles draw Senegal  in stern quarter final tie 

    U20 AFCON: Flying Eagles draw Senegal  in stern quarter final tie 

    Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will combat the Junior Teranga Lions of Senegal in the quarter final of the ongoing Egypt 2025 U20 AFCON following the completion of Group C ties yesterday.

    Senegal, the holders of the competition defeated DR Congo to confirm their date with Nigeria after finishing second in Group C with four points from three games.

    The West African side started their title defence slowly playing a 1-1 draw against Central African Republic and they were pinned 1-0 by Ghana in the second game before the three points got yesterday against DR Congo gave them a quarter final ticket.

    They will be up against an unbeaten Nigerian side who ended the group stage with a 2-2 draw against the Rising Stars of Kenya. It was the first time they conceded goals at the ongoing competition.

    They had earlier beaten Tunisia 1-0 and played a goalless draw against Morocco before the draw with Kenya. They ended second in Group B behind Morocco who finished the group stage with seven points from three games while the Flying Eagles came second with five points.

    The game comes up on Monday by 1pm Nigerian time with the winner qualifying for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Indonesia.

    In other fixture, Morocco will slug it out with Sierra Leone.

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    The group stage of the competition ends today with Tanzania up against Egypt while South Africa will trade tackles with. Zambia in a Southern African war.

    Meanwhile, coach  Zubairu  is upbeat as the Flying Eagles  set  their sights on  Monday’s quarter final tie with the determination to win it to seal a World Cup ticket at the ongoing U20 AFCON in Egypt.

    “I believe the quarter-final is the most important match of the competition,” he said after the match against Kenya. We need to work on the players mind-set and ensure they are fully focused on the task ahead.

     “Our goal is to reach the World Cup, and to do that, we must win this match. Preparation starts now, he added.

    The four semi-finalists of the AFCON U20 tournament will secure a spot to represent Africa at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile. 

  • Egypt 2025: Flying Eagles target victory against Kenya in  100th  AFCON match

    Egypt 2025: Flying Eagles target victory against Kenya in  100th  AFCON match

    Kenya’s Rising Stars are right in the firing line as seven-time champions and two-time runners-up Nigeria are determined to celebrate their 100th  match of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations with a win in downtown Cairo this evening.

    The clash, one of the closing games of group B of the ongoing CAF U20 Championship and which is scheduled to kick off 4pm Nigeria time, is on different gradients for both teams, with the Kenyans in need of a handsome win to stand a chance of progressing to the quarter finals while the Flying Eagles only require a draw.

    Second-placed Nigeria, on four points, will reach the last eight of the competition if they secure a draw (which will take their haul to five, and spring them to the next round irrespective of the result in the clash between first-placed Morocco and third-placed Tunisia).

    A win for Morocco will take them to seven points, and keep three-pointer Tunisia in third place, while a draw earns Morocco a total of five points from their three matches and keeps Tunisia at four. A win for Tunisia will take the Junior Carthage Eagles to six points and drag the Lion Cubs to third place.

    With 19 teams involved in the tournament, and teams drawn into three pools, the top two teams in each group, alongside the best two third-placed teams, will progress to the quarter finals.

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    Despite their promise, the Rising Stars have failed to light up Cairo, losing a five-goal thriller to Morocco on the opening day and failing to deliver in the 1-3 loss to Tunisia on Sunday.

    Getting a win against Nigeria will be huge for the Kenyans, who have struggled badly over the decades against Nigeria opposition on the field of play.

    Their first three encounters, between 1968 and 1991, were friendly matches, with Nigeria winning twice in Nairobi and the other match (also in Nairobi) ending in a 1-1 draw. In a 1986 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Nairobi in April 1985, goals by Fatai Amao and Rashidi Yekini, and a Hussein Khari own goal, gave Nigeria a 3-0 win. In the return leg in Lagos, Yekini and Dr Joe Masiga each scored a magnificent goal, but Dahiru Sadi and Yisa Sofoluwe added to Nigeria’s tally for a 3-1 win.

    Nigeria won 3-0 and 2-1 in 1988 and 1992 AFCON group phase matches respectively, and in a 1998 World Cup qualifying fixture, both teams drew 1-1 in Nairobi before Nigeria triumphed 3-0 in Lagos to qualify for France 1998. Nigeria won friendly matches in 2002, 2007 and 2011, and also beat the Kenyans home (3-0) and away (3-2) to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals.

    In 2013, a 1-1 draw in Calabar and 1-0 win in Nairobi in 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers confirmed Nigeria’s undoubted superiority. In qualifying matches for the 1996 Olympic Games, both teams played a 1-1 draw in Nigeria, but the Dream Team victimised their hosts 3-0 in Mombasa.

    The Flying Eagles will be determined to underscore this superiority on Wednesday, in order to pop champagne in what will be their 100th  match of the tournament and also stand a chance of finishing as group B winners.