Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has officially unveiled his final 21-man squad for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, with Nigeria set to take on Norway, Saudi Arabia, and Colombia in the group stage.
The seven-time African champions will be making their latest bid for global glory at the tournament in Chile, and Zubairu has opted for a squad packed with familiar faces who impressed at the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations earlier this year in Egypt.
Familiar names and key inclusions
Among the standout names in the team are Sporting Lagos goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, who retains his spot after solid showings at the continental championship. Captain Daniel Bameyi of Bayelsa United also features prominently, providing leadership and experience in defence alongside Odinaka Okoro and Auwal Ibrahim.
In midfield, Molde FK’s Daniel Daga—widely regarded as one of the most promising talents in Nigerian football—has been called up. He will be joined by the likes of Auwal Ibrahim, Israel Ayuma, and Emmanuel Ekowoicho, giving the squad balance in creativity and steel.
The attacking department features in-form striker Kparobo Ariehi of Norway’s Lillestrom SK, alongside Charles Agada and Abdullahi Shitu Ele, the latter making headlines after signing with Manchester City earlier this year. Royal Antwerp’s Achichi Oseer and Slovakia-based Sani Suleman also add depth in attack.
Final preparations in Chile
The Flying Eagles, accompanied by their technical crew, departed Nigeria on Sunday for a 12-day pre-tournament camp in Chile. Before leaving, the team had trained for several weeks in Abuja, focusing on tactical organization, fitness, and team chemistry.
The camp in Chile will allow the players to acclimatize to local conditions ahead of their opening match, while also fine-tuning strategies to face their group opponents.
Tournament fixtures and venue
Nigeria have been drawn in Group F, alongside Norway, Saudi Arabia, and Colombia. The Flying Eagles will kick off their campaign against Norway on Monday, 29 September, before facing Saudi Arabia on 2 October and Colombia on 5 October.
All three of Nigeria’s group stage fixtures will be played at the Estadio Fiscal in Talca, a city located about 250 kilometres south of Santiago, the Chilean capital.
With a proud history in youth football, Nigeria will be hoping to make a strong impact in Chile and possibly add to their legacy. The Flying Eagles have reached the U-20 World Cup final twice in the past—in 1989 and 2005—but are still chasing their first title.
Zubairu’s vision and expectations
Head coach Zubairu expressed optimism about his squad, praising their resilience and hunger during preparations.
“This is a group of players that have shown consistency and a desire to represent Nigeria with pride,” he said before the team’s departure. “The World Cup is a big stage, but I believe they are ready to compete and show the world the talent we have.”
Zubairu’s decision to blend home-based stars with Europe-based talents reflects his strategy of combining familiarity with international exposure. The hope is that this mix will give Nigeria both stability and unpredictability in attack and midfield.
Full squad list
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 FK, Norway), Auwal Ibrahim (Akwa United), Nasiru Salihu (Qabala FC, Azerbaijan).
Forwards: Achichi Oseer (Royal Antwerp, Belgium), Sani Suleman (AS Trencin, Slovakia), Tahir Maigana (Wireless FC), Kparobo Ariehi (Lillestrom SK, Norway), Charles Agaba (NK Istra, Croatia), Abdullahi Shitu Ele (Manchester City, England).
Eyes on Chile
The Flying Eagles’ journey in Chile is set to capture the imagination of Nigerian fans once again. With a mix of established youth internationals and emerging stars, Zubairu’s squad has the quality to go far in the competition.
For now, the countdown begins, as the young Nigerians prepare to test themselves against some of the world’s finest at the U-20 level.
