Nigeria’s Flying Eagles continued their preparations for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against host nation Chile in a friendly encounter played on Saturday.
The fixture, staged as part of both nations’ warm-up schedule, gave coach Aliyu Zubairu valuable insights into his squad ahead of the global tournament, which kicks off later this month.
The w started brightly and showed great composure against a technically sharp Chilean side buoyed by home support. In the 18th minute, their early energy was rewarded when Ahmed Akinyele rose highest to meet a Tahir Maigana corner kick. His powerful header sailed beyond the reach of the Chilean goalkeeper, handing Nigeria a 1-0 lead.
The goal underscored Nigeria’s aerial strength and set-piece efficiency—qualities that could prove decisive when they face strong opposition in Group F at the World Cup.
Chile, however, responded with determination. Spurred by the setback, they pressed forward in search of an equaliser. Their persistence paid off in the 36th minute when they capitalised on a defensive lapse from Nigeria. A swift exchange of passes created space inside the penalty area, and the hosts coolly slotted the ball home to level matters at 1-1.
The rest of the first half was an evenly contested affair, with both teams creating half chances but lacking the cutting edge to take the lead before the interval.
In the second half, the Flying Eagles showed flashes of attacking promise, particularly through their wide players, who tested Chile’s full-backs with pace and trickery. But despite their efforts, the Nigerian forwards could not convert the opportunities created. Chile also came close with a couple of dangerous efforts from distance, but goalkeeper Daniel Bamidele stood firm to preserve the scoreline.
The game ended with neither side able to find a winner, leaving both coaches satisfied with the intensity and competitive balance displayed.
For Nigeria, the result offers both encouragement and lessons. Coach Zubairu praised his players for their resilience and commitment but admitted there were areas requiring improvement. “We saw good moments, especially in how we pressed and transitioned, but we must be sharper in finishing and more compact defensively,” he said after the match.
The Flying Eagles’ buildup continues with another friendly against Australia on Tuesday. That match will give the coaching crew another opportunity to rotate the squad and test tactical variations ahead of their World Cup opener.
Nigeria has been drawn in Group F alongside Colombia, Norway, and Saudi Arabia—a challenging pool that will demand both consistency and adaptability. Their campaign begins against Norway on September 29, followed by Saudi Arabia on October 2. The group phase concludes with a crucial clash against Colombia three days later.
The Chile test has already highlighted the Flying Eagles’ potential strengths: set-piece prowess, midfield organisation, and the growing chemistry among new squad members. However, lapses in concentration at the back and a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal remain concerns that need addressing.
Supporters back home will draw optimism from the team’s spirited showing against the host nation, a side tipped to go far in the tournament. Nigeria’s ability to score first and withstand pressure, even when pegged back, is a sign of mental fortitude—an attribute often vital in tournament football.
As the countdown to the U-20 World Cup intensifies, the Flying Eagles’ preparations are moving in the right direction. The draw against Chile not only gave them valuable match practice but also served as a benchmark of their readiness to compete against some of the world’s best young talents.
The friendly series continues, but all eyes are on September 29, when Nigeria’s young stars step onto the world stage in their opening match against Norway. With the confidence gained from this encounter, the Flying Eagles can look forward to the challenge with belief and determination.
