Flying Eagles U20 World Cup campaign begins in Talca, Chile, as Nigeria prepares to face Norway, Saudi Arabia, and Colombia in Group F fixtures

Flying Eagles U20 World Cup preparations are now in full swing after the Nigerian team landed in the Chilean city of Talca on Thursday ahead of the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup.

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Nigeria’s under-20 side, two-time finalists in the tournament, will compete in Group F, which includes Norway, Saudi Arabia, and Colombia.

All group matches are set to take place at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca.

Upon arrival, the Flying Eagles were warmly received by FIFA officials, members of the Local Organising Committee, and hotel staff at their base — the Hotel Diego de Almagro.

The team held their first evening training session shortly after settling in, signalling their final phase of preparation for the global showpiece.

Head coach Ali Zubair told PUNCH Online that the team has addressed the key tactical errors that led to their early exit at the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations earlier this year.

“We’ve corrected the mistakes from the last tournament. The boys are focused and better prepared for the task ahead,” Zubair said.

Before arriving in Talca, the Flying Eagles completed a 12-day training camp in Santiago, where they played two international friendlies.

Nigeria drew 1-1 with host nation Chile and defeated Australia 3-1 — performances that boosted team morale ahead of their World Cup opener.

The Flying Eagles U20 World Cup journey officially kicks off on Monday, 29th September, with a clash against Norway.

They will then face Saudi Arabia and Colombia in subsequent group fixtures.

Nigeria’s U20 team remains one of Africa’s most respected youth football sides, with a strong pedigree in the tournament since debuting in 1983.

The Flying Eagles were runners-up in 1989 and 2005, losing to Portugal and Argentina respectively — the latter famously led by a young Lionel Messi.

Over the decades, the team has served as a launching pad for several Super Eagles stars, including Mikel Obi, Taye Taiwo, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Victor Osimhen.

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With their arrival in Talca and confidence building, fans across Nigeria and beyond will be hoping this year’s squad can write a new chapter in the nation’s rich football history.