Maigari Out of World Cup: Flying Eagles Lose Key Defender to Injury

Maigari Out of World Cup: Flying Eagles Lose Key Defender to Injury

By Admin 

 Flying Eagles have suffered a significant setback ahead of their departure for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, with first-choice right-back Adamu Maigari ruled out of the tournament due to injury, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The news, which emerged on the final day of the team’s training camp in Abuja, has sent shockwaves through the squad and technical crew. Maigari, considered the best player in his position at the U-20 level in Nigeria, has been a key figure in the team’s recent successes.

The 19-year-old was instrumental during the WAFU B qualifying tournament and was a standout performer at the 2023 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, where he was named Man of the Match in Nigeria’s third-place victory over Egypt.

According to team medics, Maigari is expected to make a full recovery, but not within the timeline of the competition. As a result, he has been officially ruled out of the squad traveling to South America.

His absence presents a major tactical challenge for head coach Aliyu Zubairu, who will now be forced to reassess his defensive options just days before the Flying Eagles’ opening group match against Norway on September 29.

The Flying Eagles are drawn in Group D alongside Norway, Saudi Arabia, and Colombia, and are aiming to surpass their quarterfinal finish at the previous edition in Argentina.