Flying Eagles Set to Face Australia in Pre-World Cup Friendly

Flying Eagles Set to Face Australia in Pre-World Cup Friendly

By Niyi Busari 

Nigeria’s U20 national team, the Flying Eagles, are scheduled to meet Australia’s U20 squad in a friendly match on Tuesday, as both sides finalize preparations for the upcoming 24th FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, which kicks off this Saturday, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The encounter will take place at Complejo Deportivo Ruca Mapu in Santiago, with kickoff slated for 5:00 PM local time (1:00 PM Nigerian time).

This friendly follows a recent 1-1 draw against the host nation Chile on Saturday in Rancagua. Ahmed Akinyele put Nigeria ahead in the 18th minute, but Chile’s Felipe Faúndez equalized in the 36th minute to level the score.

For the World Cup, Australia will compete in Group D alongside Italy, Cuba, and Argentina. Meanwhile, Nigeria is drawn in Group F, facing Norway, Saudi Arabia, and Colombia.

On Monday, Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu led the Flying Eagles in their final training session before the match, focusing on tactical drills and ball possession. The session, held from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, involved 19 players, with central defender Marvelous Freedom sidelined due to injury. Defensive midfielder Daniel Daga is yet to join the squad in Chile.