Uncertainty Over Flying Eagles’ Departure For FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile

Uncertainty Over Flying Eagles’ Departure For FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile

By Admin 

With just weeks to go before the FIFA U20 World Cup kicks off in Chile, uncertainty surrounds the travel plans of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to finalize the team’s departure date, raising concerns about adequate preparations. A top NFF official, speaking to BSN Sports on Thursday, admitted that no concrete travel schedule has been agreed.

“I am sure very soon they will travel. We will conclude their travel schedule next (this) week. The plan is to get them to play a couple of friendly games before the group matches,” the official said.

Nigeria, two-time finalists at the competition, are among four African representatives alongside South Africa, Morocco, and Egypt.

The Flying Eagles are drawn in a challenging Group C, opening their campaign against Norway on 29 September 2025. They will face Saudi Arabia on 3 October, before rounding off the group stage against Colombia on 6 October.

This year’s tournament marks the second time Chile is hosting the FIFA U20 World Cup, having previously staged the event in 1987, when Yugoslavia emerged champions. Uruguay are the reigning champions, having beaten Italy 1-0 in the 2023 final in Argentina to clinch their first-ever title.

Argentina remain the most successful nation in the history of the tournament with six titles, although their last triumph came in 2007. They are closely followed by Brazil with five victories.

As Nigeria’s opening match edges closer, stakeholders and fans will be hoping the NFF resolves its logistical issues swiftly, ensuring the Flying Eagles arrive in Chile in time for a smooth build-up to the competition.