Nigeria’s U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, have arrived in the Chilean city of Talca ahead of their participation in the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup.
The seven-time African champions are drawn in Group F, where they will face Norway, Saudi Arabia, and Colombia, with all their matches set to be played in Talca.
On arrival Thursday afternoon, the squad was warmly welcomed by FIFA officials, members of the Local Organising Committee, and hotel staff. They later held their first training session in the evening to fine-tune preparations.
Head coach Ali Zubair expressed optimism, stating that the team had addressed the errors that cost them at the Africa U20 Cup of Nations and are now in better shape for the global tournament.
The Flying Eagles, who are lodged at Hotel Diego de Almagro in Talca, recently concluded a 12-day training camp in Santiago. During the camp, they played two warm-up matches, drawing 1-1 with hosts Chile before defeating Australia 3-1 on Tuesday.
Nigeria will open its World Cup campaign against Norway on Monday, September 29, at Estadio Fiscal de Talca, before facing Saudi Arabia and Colombia in their remaining group games.
The Flying Eagles boast a proud history at the FIFA U20 World Cup, having reached the final twice — in 1989 (losing to Portugal) and in 2005 (losing to Argentina, led by Lionel Messi). They have also produced some of Nigeria’s finest talents, including John Mikel Obi, Taye Taiwo, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Victor Osimhen.
