U-20 FOOTBALL
Flying Eagles Begin World Cup Hunt with Norway Showdown as Class of 2025 eyes Nigeria’s first-ever U-20 world title
Two-time runners-up, Nigeria’s under-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, will begin their quest for a maiden FIFA U-20 World Cup title this Monday when they take on Norway in their opening Group F match at the Estadio Fiscal.
Led by coach Aliyu Zubairu, the seven-time African champions head into the global showpiece with renewed optimism after finishing third at the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt — a campaign that also sealed their qualification for the tournament.
The Flying Eagles punched their World Cup ticket by edging defending champions Senegal in a dramatic quarter-final penalty shootout before losing narrowly to eventual winners South Africa in the semi-finals. They wrapped up their campaign with a 4–1 shootout victory over hosts Egypt to claim bronze.
Nigeria, making their 14th appearance at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, are still chasing their first crown after falling at the final hurdle in 1989and 2005. At the last edition in Argentina 2023, the team reached the quarter-finals before bowing out to Korea Republic.
The Flying Eagles will play all their group games in Chile’s southern city of Talca. After Monday’s curtain-raiser against Norway, they face Saudi Arabia on October 2 and Colombiaon October 5.
Head coach Zubairu, who took charge in September 2024, has blended experience with emerging talent.
The former El-Kanemi Warriors boss guided the Maiduguri side to Federation Cup glory before accepting the national team job. His tactical discipline and calm leadership have earned him respect across the domestic scene, following earlier stints with Wikki Tourist and Gombe United.
Captain Daniel Bameyi, the team’s inspirational leader, is among the players expected to shine. The 19-year-old defender, already capped three times by the Super Eagles, was named in the Best XI at the U-20 AFCON and is making his second appearance at this level.
Another name drawing attention is Kparobo Arierhi, the teenage striker who recently joined Norwegian top-flight side Lillestrom after a prolific spell at Beyond Limits Academy.
Arierhi’s eye for goal — 22 strikes in 15 games at the NNL level — makes him one of the team’s brightest prospects.
As Zubairu’s young side prepares for Monday’s opener, expectations are high that Nigeria’s “Class of 2025” can finally deliver the elusive U-20 world crown — and rekindle memories of past Flying Eagles teams that came close to global glory.
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Nigeria’s U20 men’s national team, the Flying Eagles, have secured a place in the final of the WAFU B U20 Championship in Ghana after a tense and dramatic semi-final clash against Niger Republic on Saturday evening.
The tightly contested encounter ended goalless after 90 minutes, with the Flying Eagles prevailing 4-3 in the ensuing penalty shootout.
In a match dominated by Nigeria in terms of possession and attacking intent, the defending champions found it difficult to break down a resolute Nigerien defence.
The Flying Eagles created several scoring opportunities, registering three shots off target in the first half, while the opposition failed to threaten Nigerian goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt.
The second half saw a more aggressive approach from the Nigerian side, who ramped up their offensive pressure.
However, Niger Republic maintained a compact defensive formation, deploying as many as seven players behind the ball to stifle Nigeria’s attacking efforts.
With neither side able to find the back of the net in regulation time, the tie was settled via penalty kicks.
Harcourt provided the early advantage for Nigeria by saving Niger’s first attempt, though Nigerian defender Tahir Maigana also missed his spot-kick.
Ultimately, the Flying Eagles held their nerve better, converting four of their five kicks while Niger Republic managed only three.
The result ensured Nigeria’s progression to the final, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final clash between hosts Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
The victory also keeps Nigeria on track to defend the WAFU B U20 title and potentially secure qualification for the next Africa U20 Cup of Nations.
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The official draw in Santiago revealed the group-stage opponents for Africa’s four representatives. They are set to compete in the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025.
South Africa recently lifted their maiden continental title at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations. Earlier this month, they were handed a tough challenge in Group E. This followed Thursday night’s draw.
The Amajita will face European powerhouse France. They will also face the USA and New Caledonia. This promises to be one of the tournament’s most intriguing groups.
Elsewhere, Nigeria is Africa’s most experienced nation at this level. They have made 14 appearances. Nigeria landed in Group F alongside Colombia, Norway, and Saudi Arabia.
The Flying Eagles will be eyeing a deep run. They aim to recapture the form that has previously taken them to two finals.
North African duo Egypt and Morocco complete the continent’s representation.
Egypt will compete in Group A alongside tournament hosts Chile, Japan and New Zealand.
The Pharaohs will hope to make an early statement against a formidable Chilean side buoyed by home support.
Morocco, meanwhile, find themselves in Group C, drawn against three-time champions Brazil, Mexico, and Spain.
It’s a tough section for the North Africans, who will be banking on the defensive solidity and attacking flair that saw them reach the final of the U-20 AFCON in Cairo.
The 24-team tournament will kick off on 27 September and run until 19 October across four host cities — Santiago, Rancagua, Talca and Valparaiso.
The top two teams from each group and four best third-placed sides will advance to the knockout stage.
African eyes will now turn toward preparations, as the continent’s finest young talents gear up to shine on the global stage.
- Group A: Chile, Egypt, Japan, New Zealand
- Group B: Korea Republic, Panama, Paraguay, Ukraine
- Group C: Brazil, Mexico, Morocco, Spain
- Group D: Argentina, Australia, Cuba, Italy
- Group E: France, New Caledonia, South Africa, USA
- Group F: Colombia, Nigeria, Norway, Saudi Arabia
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South Africa’s golden generation of rising stars were handsomely rewarded for their triumph at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2025, as the CAF Technical Study Group (TSG) announced the official Best XI of the tournament.
Unsurprisingly, newly crowned champions South Africa led the way with four players selected in the tournament’s best team, including standout goalkeeper Fletcher Lowe and playmaker Tylon Smith, who was also named the Best Player of the tournament.
Lowe, who made the most saves (24) during the competition, was instrumental in keeping three clean sheets, including one in the final against Morocco.
His safe hands and calm distribution laid the foundation for South Africa’s historic first U-20 AFCON title.
Midfielder Tylon Smith, who was the playmaker of his team, capped off a stellar campaign by scoring the winning goal in the semi-final against Nigeria.
His ability to dictate play and rally his team in pressure moments earned him the Best Player award and a key role in the tournament’s Best XI.
Morocco, runners-up in the final, had four players included in the XI – Othmane Maamma, Hossam Essadak, Hamza Koutoune and Faycal Zahouani – a reflection of their strong, possession-based approach throughout the competition.
Sierra Leone’s Momoh Kamara, who finished as the tournament’s top scorer with four goals, was also included, while Egypt’s Mohamed Goweily, Nigeria’s Daniel Bameyi, and South Africa’s Neo Rapoo and Lazola Maku completed the elite lineup.
Coach of the tournament honours went to South Africa’s Raymond Mdaka, whose tactical discipline and faith in youth delivered a maiden continental crown for the Amajita.
Best XI of the Tournament (1-4-2-3-1):
Fletcher Lowe (South Africa)
Neo Rapoo (South Africa)
Mohamed Goweily (Egypt)
Othmane Maamma (Morocco)
Daniel Bameyi (Nigeria)
Lazola Maku (South Africa)
Hossam Essadak (Morocco)
Faycal Zahouani (Morocco)
Hamza Koutoune (Morocco)
Momoh Kamara (Sierra Leone)
Tylon Smith (South Africa)
Best Player: Tylon Smith (South Africa)
Top Scorer: Momoh Kamara (Sierra Leone) – 4 goals
Best Goalkeeper: Fletcher Lowe (South Africa)
Best Coach: Raymond Mdaka (South Africa)
Fair Play Award: Morocco
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