The Flying Eagles of Nigeria have arrived in the Chilean city of Talca ahead of their participation in the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup.
Upon arrival, the two-time U-20 World Cup finalists were warmly received by officials from FIFA, the Local Organising Committee, and hotel staff.
The team later held its first training session in the evening to begin final preparations for the tournament.
Head coach of the team, Ali Zubair, said the Flying Eagles have corrected the mistakes made at the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations and are now better prepared for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
The Flying Eagles are lodged at Hotel Diego de Almagro in Talca. The team wrapped up a 12-day training camp in Santiago, where they played host nation Chile and Australia as part of the build-up to the FIFA U20 World Cup.
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In their friendly matches, the Flying Eagles played a 1-1 draw with host nation Chile, before defeating Australia 3-1 in Santiago on Tuesday.
Nigeria will open their campaign for honours in this year’s edition with a game against Norway on Monday, 29th September at Estadio Fiscal de Talca, before other games against Saudi Arabia and Colombia.
The national under-20 men’s football team is one of the most successful youth teams in Africa. The team has a rich history in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, having participated in multiple editions since its debut in 1983.
Notably, the Flying Eagles have been runners-up twice — in 1989 (losing to Portugal) and 2005 (losing to Argentina, led by Lionel Messi).
They have also reached the semifinals on several occasions and are known for producing future Super Eagles stars such as Mikel Obi, Taye Taiwo, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Victor Osimhen.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
