On Thursday afternoon, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles U-20 men’s football squad landed in Talca, Chile, in preparation for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
With all of their games to be played at Talca, the two-time World Cup finalists are in Group F with Saudi Arabia, Colombia, and Norway.
Before the Eagles settled into the Hotel Diego de Almagro, they were greeted by FIFA representatives, the Local Organising Committee, and hotel personnel.
To begin the last preparations, the team later had its first training session in the evening.
Lessons learned from the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations campaign were guaranteed by head coach Ali Zubair.
“We have improved our preparation for the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile by fixing the mistakes that cost us at the AFCON,” he stated.
Prior to their arrival in Talca, the Flying Eagles played two international friendly during a 12-day training camp in Santiago.
After a 1-1 draw with Chile, the host country, Nigeria overcame Australia 3-1 on Tuesday.
At the Estadio Fiscal de Talca, the Flying Eagles will play their first game of the season against Norway on Monday, September 29. They will next play Saudi Arabia and Colombia.
Nigeria’s U20 team has reportedly established a solid reputation as one of Africa’s most successful youth teams since making their debut in 1983.
The Flying Eagles have lost to Argentina, headed by Lionel Messi, in 2005 and 1989, respectively, and have finished second on both occasions. They have also made several trips to the semifinals.
The competition has traditionally produced future Nigerian players like as Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taye Taiwo, and Mikel Obi.
