Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have unveiled their 21-man roster for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, but the squad arrives with notable gaps as European clubs withhold top talents. Head coach Aliyu Zubairu finalized the list after a grueling camp in Abuja, with the team now en route to Santiago for final preparations.
The Final 21: A Blend of Youth and Resilience
Zubairu trimmed his provisional roster to 21 players, leaning on domestic stars and a handful of overseas prospects to fill the voids left by club refusals. The squad emphasizes defensive solidity and midfield creativity, drawing from the bronze-winning U-20 AFCON team earlier this year.
Here’s the breakdown:
Goalkeepers
- Ifeanyi Harcourt (Abia Warriors)
- Aminu Mohammed (Kano Pillars)
Defenders
- Daniel Bameyi (Captain, Bayelsa United)
- Sodiq Ibrahim (Shooting Stars)
- Abdulrafiu Yusuf (Kwara United)
- Haruna Sukar (Plateau United)
- Clinton Andy (Bayelsa United)
- Mustapha Ibrahim (Akwa United)
Midfielders
- Sulaiman Alabi Jojo (Rivers United)
- Daniel Daga (Brann, Norway – to join in Chile)
- Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars)
- Ibrahim Aliyu (Joseph City FC, USA)
- Aminu Garba (Kano Pillars)
- Abdulrasheed Nuhu (Nasarawa United)
Forwards
- Kparobo Arierhi (Edo Queens)
- Adams Abdulahi (Jigawa Stars)
- Michael Dogo (Plateau United)
- Zaidu Sanusi (Kano Pillars)
- Sunday Alabi (Kwara United)
- Divine Oliseh (Rangers International)
This lineup reflects Zubairu’s trust in battle-tested locals, with Daga’s late arrival adding a boost from Europe. The team departed Abuja on Sunday, stopping in Istanbul before landing in Chile for friendlies against the hosts on September 20 and Australia on September 23.
Club Roadblocks: Reims and Hoffenheim Deny Releases
The squad’s biggest headaches stem from FIFA’s calendar quirks—the U-20 World Cup isn’t a mandatory release window, empowering clubs to hold players. French outfit Stade Reims blocked striker Ibrahim Hafiz, a prolific scorer in their youth ranks, while Bundesliga side Hoffenheim refused defenders Emmanuel Chukwu and Precious Benjamin, both hailed as future Super Eagles candidates.
Adding to the woes, right-back Adamu Maigari was ruled out by a knee injury sustained in training—he was a standout at the U-20 AFCON with a Man of the Match nod. Zubairu reshuffled, promoting locals like Clinton Andy to cover flanks.
Social media buzzed with frustration on X, where fans lamented the “curse of European greed” but rallied behind the underdogs. One post from Bayelsa United celebrated Andy’s inclusion: “Congratulations to @ClintonAndy1_ for being named in the final Flying Eagles squad… Good luck champ!”
Path to Glory: Group F Fixtures and Historical Context
Drawn into Group F in Talca, Nigeria faces a tough opener against Norway on September 29, followed by Saudi Arabia on October 2 and Colombia on October 5. The seven-time African champions eye their first world title after runner-up finishes in 1989 (Portugal) and 2005 (Netherlands), plus a quarterfinal exit in 2023.
Zubairu, fresh off U-20 AFCON bronze, preaches focus: “We’ve adapted; these boys have heart.” Captain Bameyi echoed the sentiment on X, posting a squad photo with “United we soar! 🦅 #SoarFlyingEagles.”
What It Means for Nigerian Football Fans
For everyday Naija supporters, this squad embodies resilience amid setbacks—mirroring the Super Eagles’ own Euro club battles. Success here could fast-track stars to Europe and boost youth academies, injecting hope into a NPFL strained by funding woes. Economically, a deep run means sponsorship windfalls and global scouting eyes on talents like Jojo and Arierhi.
In conclusion, Zubairu’s revamped Flying Eagles squad heads to Chile battle-ready, turning absences into motivation. With the tournament from September 27 to October 19, Nigeria’s young guns aim to rewrite history—one hurdle at a time. Soar, Eagles!
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