The Flying Eagles, Nigeria’s national U-20 men’s football team, on Thursday afternoon arrived in Talca, Chile, ahead of their 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup campaign.
Nigeria is drawn in Group F alongside Norway, Saudi Arabia and Colombia, with all matches scheduled to take place in Talca. The team is lodged at Hotel Diego de Almagro and held its first training session later in the evening to kick-start final preparations for the tournament.
Upon arrival, the two-time U-20 World Cup finalists were warmly received by FIFA officials, the Local Organising Committee and hotel staff. Head coach Ali Zubair expressed confidence in his squad, noting that the team had corrected mistakes from the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations and was now better prepared for the global stage.
The Flying Eagles recently concluded a 12-day training camp in Santiago, where they played friendly matches against host nation Chile and Australia. They held Chile to a 1-1 draw before defeating Australia 3-1 on Tuesday, results Zubair said reflected the team’s improved form and readiness.
Nigeria opens its campaign on Monday, September 29, with a clash against Norway at Estadio Fiscal de Talca, before subsequent group games against Saudi Arabia and Colombia.
One of Africa’s most successful youth teams, the Flying Eagles have a rich history in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, having been runners-up twice — in 1989 (to Portugal) and in 2005 (to Argentina led by Lionel Messi). The team has also produced future Super Eagles stars such as Mikel Obi, Taye Taiwo, Kelechi Iheanacho and Victor Osimhen.
