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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The Kingdom of Morocco is set to celebrate its latest football triumph as His Majesty King Mohammed VI, will this Wednesday host the national under-20 football team for a royal reception in honor of their historic FIFA U-20 World Cup victory in Chile.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI
According to a statement from the Ministry of the Royal Household, Protocol, and Chancellery, the King has instructed that the young Atlas Lions, who made history by becoming world champions, be accorded a hero’s welcome on Wednesday, October 22.
The statement confirmed that the royal audience will take place at the Royal Palace in Rabat, where His Majesty will personally receive the players, coaches, and officials of the victorious team in recognition of their exceptional performance and for bringing pride to the nation.
Following the royal reception, a grand popular celebration is scheduled to take place in the capital. The team will depart from the Royal Palace around 6:30 p.m., passing through Bab Essoufara and then along Avenue Mohammed V, where thousands of Moroccans are expected to line the streets to cheer the world champions.
This marks an unprecedented milestone in Moroccan football history, as the U-20 side’s global triumph has sparked nationwide jubilation and renewed optimism for the country’s growing football legacy under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, whose sustained investment in youth and sports development has been widely praised.
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It is a transcontinental rivalry that is fast spreading across all competitions. From the FIFA World Cup to the football tournament of the Olympics, the King Fahd Intercontinental Cup later redesignated as Confederation Cup, the U-17 World Cup, the U-20 World Cup and friendly matches – Argentina and Nigeria are fast becoming fierce rivals.
And so, for the third time in history, Nigeria and Argentina will go head-to-head at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, as they clash in a highly anticipated Round of 16 encounter at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago, Chile, on Wednesday. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. Nigerian time.
The Flying Eagles delegation arrive in Santiago
The fixture rekindles one of youth football’s most captivating rivalries, with both nations boasting rich histories at the global stage.
Their most recent meeting came two years ago when Nigeria stunned hosts Argentina 2-0 in the Round of 16 — a result that sent shockwaves across the tournament. Goals from Ibrahim Muhammad and Haliru Sarki sealed that famous win, propelling the Flying Eagles into the quarter-finals before they bowed out to the Republic of Korea after extra time.
The rivalry dates back decades. In the 2005 final in the Netherlands, Argentina triumphed 2-1 over Nigeria thanks to two penalty goals from Lionel Messi, while Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi struck a memorable goal for the Flying Eagles.
Argentina remain the most successful nation in the tournament’s history with six titles, while Nigeria have reached the final twice (1989 and 2005) and claimed bronze in 1985.
Despite the Albiceleste’s pedigree, the Flying Eagles — seven-time African champions — will take to the pitch in Santiago with belief and determination, buoyed by a strong group-stage showing. Coach Aliyu Zubair’s men collected four points from their three matches, including a spirited 1-1 draw with Colombia, in which Nigeria struck the crossbar three times before captain Daniel Bameyi coolly converted a late penalty.
That performance, built on resilience and attacking flair, has strengthened confidence within the Nigerian camp. However, Zubair will have to make at least one change in attack as Suleman Sani is suspended after receiving two yellow cards in the group stage.
The Flying Eagles arrived in Santiago from Talca on Monday evening and will hold a final training session on Tuesday ahead of their showdown with the South American giants.
With history, pride, and a place in the quarter-finals at stake, Wednesday’s clash promises another thrilling chapter in the long-running Nigeria–Argentina football rivalry.
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Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will take to the pitch in a make-or-break Group F encounter against Colombia at the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile on Sunday night in Chile, but Monday morning in Nigeria.
The game carries huge stakes for both teams. Nigeria must win to secure a top-two finish and automatic passage to the Round of 16. A draw or defeat would confine them to third place, leaving qualification dependent on results from other groups.
Colombia, on the other hand, need only a draw to confirm their place in the knockout stage after a steady start to their campaign.
The South Americans are expected to approach the match with caution, aware that avoiding defeat will be enough to advance.
Nigeria’s coach Aliyu Zubairu is expected to rally his players for one final push, knowing that victory is the only guarantee for survival in the competition. Fans back home will be watching closely in the early hours of Monday, hoping the Flying Eagles can rise to the occasion and keep their World Cup hopes alive.
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