Preparations for Nigeria’s Flying Eagles ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile have been shaken by the absence of several key players after their clubs declined to release them.
The tournament, scheduled from September 27 to October 20, is not listed on FIFA’s international calendar, which means clubs are not obligated to release players.
This rule has now hit the Nigerian side, forcing head coach Aliyu Zubairu to reshuffle his plans.
French Ligue 1 outfit Stade Reims turned down the Nigeria Football Federation’s request to release striker Ibrahim Hafiz, while Bundesliga side Hoffenheim withheld two of the team’s brightest prospects, Emmanuel Chukwu and Precious Benjamin.
All three players were expected to play major roles at the tournament, and their absence represents a significant setback.
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Despite the setback, Coach Zubairu has finalized a 21-man squad, relying heavily on players based in Nigeria and others who featured prominently in the qualifiers.
Enyimba winger Clinton Jephta, Bidemi Amole, and Divine Oliseh—who all played at the U-20 WAFU B qualifiers in Togo—did not make the cut.
Leading the squad is captain Daniel Bameyi, whose experience and leadership are expected to anchor the team.
More than 10 of the selected players have featured in training camps and friendly matches over the past months, ensuring familiarity with the coach’s tactical setup.
New inclusions such as Israel Ayuma, Ebenezer Harcourt, Charles Agada, Auwal Ibrahim, Kparobo Arierhi, Tahir Maigana, and Odinaka Okoro highlight the coach’s faith in emerging talent.
However, fullback Adamu Maigari, a regular starter, misses out due to a knee injury.
The Flying Eagles departed Abuja for Chile on Sunday night, with Norway-based midfielder Daniel Daga expected to link up with the squad before their opening match.
His inclusion is considered crucial given his experience from previous youth tournaments.
Nigeria, six-time finalists at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, are still chasing their first-ever title. They finished runners-up in 1989 and 2005 but have yet to lift the trophy.
At the 2023 edition in Argentina, the Flying Eagles reached the quarter-finals before being knocked out by South Korea.
Despite missing some of their brightest young talents, the team is determined to put up a strong fight in Chile.
Coach Zubairu expressed confidence that the players available can rise to the challenge, noting that their preparation and collective spirit will be crucial.
With group-stage matches kicking off in just under two weeks, all eyes will be on how the Flying Eagles adapt to their new squad dynamics and whether this generation can finally deliver Nigeria’s long-awaited maiden U-20 World Cup crown.
NAN
