Nigeria’s U20 boys, Flying Eagles, have departed the country for Chile, as they countenance a 12-day final phase camping in the South American nation ahead of their participation in this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals.

Seven-time African champions Nigeria will play all their Group F matches at the Estadio Fiscal in Talca, a city 250 kilometres from the Chilean capital, Santiago. They will first confront Norway on Monday, 29^th September, before clashes with Saudi Arabia (2^nd October) and Colombia (5^th October).

A team of 20 players and 11 officials (midfielder Daniel Daga will join the team in Chile from his base in Norway) departed from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Sunday evening, aboard a Turkish Airline flight to Istanbul, where the contingent will connect to Santiago – venue of their final phase camping.

The seven-time African champions had training sessions in Abuja for some weeks, before Sunday’s departure.

The 24^th FIFA U20 World Cup finals will be played across the cities of Santiago, Rancagua, Valparaiso and Talca. The competition, which started as the FIFA World Youth Tournament, was launched in 1977 and was first hosted by Tunisia.

Nigeria were narrowly edged by Korea Republic after extra time in the semi finals at the last championship hosted by Argentina. The country finished as runners-up in 1989 in Saudi Arabia and in 2005 in The Netherlands.

Group A is headed by hosts Chile, and also has New Zealand, Japan and Egypt, while Group B entertains South Korea, Ukraine, Paraguay and Panama.

Brazil heads Group C that also has Mexico, Morocco and Spain, while Group D includes Italy, Australia, Cuba and multiple winners Argentina. USA, New Caledonia, France and South Africa make up Group E.  

FLYING EAGLES FOR 2025 FIFA U20 WORLD CUP FINALS

Goalkeepers: Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos); Clinton Ezekiel (Bayelsa United); Rufa’i Abubakar (Mavlon FC)

Defenders: Ocheche Amos Onyejefu (Stade de Reims, France); Odinaka Okoro (Sporting Lagos); Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United); Marvelous Avberosou (Ikorodu City); Alatan Azuka (36 Lions); Akinyele Ahmed Olamide (Remo Stars)

Midfielders: Israel Ayuma (NK Istra, Croatia); Emmanuel Ekowoicho (FC Montana, Bulgaria); Mustapha Kamaldeen (Kwara Football Academy); Daniel Daga (Molde FC, Norway); Auwal Ibrahim (Akwa United); Nasiru Salihu (Qabala FC, Azerbaijan)

Forwards: Achichi Oseer (Royal Antwerp FC, Belgium); Sani Suleman (AS Trencin, Slovakia); Tahir Maigana (Wireless FC); Kparobo Arierhi (Lillestrom SK, Norway); Charles Agaba (NK Istra, Croatia); Abdullahi Shitu Ele (Manchester City FC, England)

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Defending champions Remo Stars suffered a major setback on Sunday as Plateau United handed them a 2-0 defeat in Jos, the standout result of the latest Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) round of fixtures.

Backed by a lively home crowd, Plateau United showed intent from the start and were rewarded when Tarabina Biweribo struck the opener.

Mafeng Pam later sealed the shock victory, condemning the SkyBlue boys to their heaviest only defeat of the season.

Elsewhere, Ahmed Musa turned back the clock in Kano, scoring in the 57th minute to secure a 1-0 win for Kano Pillars against Enugu Rangers in a fierce northern derby.

Enyimba also laid down a marker with an impressive away victory, defeating Bayelsa United 2-0 in Yenagoa. Chidiebere Ezeh’s 76th-minute effort broke the deadlock before Kalu Nweke added a second to put the result beyond doubt.

Rivers United edged Shooting Stars 1-0 thanks to Ubong Friday’s 72nd-minute strike, while Abia Warriors scraped past Katsina United courtesy of Somiari Alaibo’s 51st-minute goal.

In Lafia, Nasarawa United got off to a flying start through Tochukwu Michael Udeh’s sixth-minute strike, which proved enough to beat Wikki Tourists 1-0.

Kun Khalifat thrilled their fans with a 3-1 home victory over El Kanemi Warriors, with Ebuka Nwokorie netting twice in a dominant display.

The only draw of the round came in Warri, where Warri Wolves and Kwara United settled for a 0-0 stalemate.

Results

• Abia Warriors 1-0 Katsina United
• Rivers United 1-0 Shooting Stars
• Warri Wolves 0-0 Kwara United
• Bayelsa United 0-2 Enyimba
• Kano Pillars 1-0 Enugu Rangers
• Kun Khalifat 3-1 El Kanemi
• Nasarawa United 1-0 Wikki Tourists
• Plateau United 2-0 Remo Stars

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For Emmanuel Nwaje, a student of Caleb British International School, the dream of becoming a professional footballer is no longer just a vision – it’s a journey that has officially begun.

The formal presentation of Emmanuel Nwaje by Poriris ‘Bof’ Lytras (left), the founder and director of NX1 Sports and Andreas Lytras.

The talented young midfielder has taken his first major step onto the international stage by signing with NX1 Sports, one of Europe’s most respected football agencies, known for blending elite coaching with academic excellence.

Emmanuel has enrolled in the Elite Professional Football Development Degree, a unique program that places him at the NX1 International Academy under the guidance of Aldo Adorno – a former UEFA Champions League player with Apoel Nicosia.

Emmanuel Nwaje at a training session.

At the same time, he will be attending a top UK university located in the Republic of Cyprus, pursuing a degree while undergoing intensive football training.

“This is only the beginning,” said an NX1 Sports representative. “We believe Emmanuel has the talent, drive, and mindset to succeed, and we’re proud to support him on his path to the professional game.”

NX1 Sports’ program is designed for players with big dreams – those willing to commit both on the pitch and in the classroom.

For Emmanuel, the opportunity offers not just football exposure, but a future that balances professional aspirations with academic growth.

Back in Nigeria, the news of Emmanuel’s signing has been met with pride. Coach Kazeem Gbajabiamila, head coach of Caleb British International School, praised his student’s determination and work ethic.

Emmanuel Nwaje with Coach Kazeem Gbajabuamila at the Caleb British International School.

He also acknowledged the critical role of the school’s leadership in supporting student-athletes.

“We’re grateful to our Director, Dr. Ola Adebogun, for the excellent sports facilities and unwavering encouragement he has provided,” said Gbajabiamila. “Emmanuel’s journey reflects what’s possible when talent meets opportunity.”

As Emmanuel steps onto European soil with a dream in his heart and a ball at his feet, he carries the hopes of many – not only his schoolmates at Caleb but aspiring footballers across Nigeria who dare to dream big.

His journey is just beginning, but the story already promises to be one of ambition, resilience, and inspiration.

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