Preparations for Nigeria’s Flying Eagles ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup have suffered a setback, with several key players unavailable for selection.
French side Stade Reims and German club Hoffenheim have declined to release their Nigerian talents, as the tournament is not listed on FIFA’s official calendar—allowing clubs to retain their players.
As a result, Hoffenheim duo Emmanuel Chukwu and Precious Benjamin, as well as Stade Reims striker Ibrahim Hafiz, will miss the competition in Chile. All three are regarded as important prospects for the national team.
Head coach Aliyu Zubairu has had to adjust his plans, unveiling a final 21-man squad that excludes several overseas-based players. Notably missing are Enyimba winger Clinton Jephta, along with Bidemi Amole and Divine Oliseh, who featured at the U-20 WAFU B qualifiers in Togo.
Team captain Daniel Bameyi headlines the squad, which includes more than 10 players who have participated in recent training camps and friendlies. New additions to the roster include Israel Ayuma, Ebenezer Harcourt, Charles Agada, Auwal Ibrahim, Kparobo Arierhi, Tahir Maigana, and Odinaka Okoro.
Defender Adamu Maigari misses out through a knee injury, while Norway-based midfielder Daniel Daga is expected to link up with the squad in Chile ahead of their opening game.
The Flying Eagles departed Abuja for Chile on Sunday night, aiming to make a strong push for their first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup trophy.
The tournament kicks off on September 27 and runs until October 20. Nigeria, runners-up in 1989 and 2005, are determined to improve on last year’s quarter-final finish in Argentina, where they were eliminated by South Korea.