Flying Eagles Wrap Up World Cup Preparations with Convincing Win Over Australia

Flying Eagles Wrap Up World Cup Preparations with Convincing Win Over Australia

By Niyi Busari 

 Nigeria’s U-20 men’s national team, the Flying Eagles, concluded their pre-FIFA U-20 World Cup preparations on a high note with a 3–1 victory over their Australian counterparts in a closed-door friendly on Tuesday, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Goals from Tahir Maigana, Achihi Oseer, and Charles Agada sealed the win for Coach Aliyu Zubair’s side, who are fine-tuning their strategy ahead of their Group F opener against Norway on Monday, September 29.

The result follows a hard-fought 1–1 draw against tournament hosts Chile on Saturday in Rancagua, showing steady progress as the team prepares to compete on the world stage.

Drawn in Group F alongside Norway, Saudi Arabia, and Colombia, the Flying Eagles will be aiming to make a strong impression. Following their opener against Norway on Monday 29th September before they face Saudi Arabia on October 2 and close the group stage against Colombia on October 5.

Coach Zubair has expressed optimism about his squad’s potential and has set his sights on surpassing Nigeria’s best-ever performances at the U-20 World Cup runner-up finishes in 1989 and 2005.

This year’s tournament features 24 teams from six continental confederations. The top two teams from each of the six groups, along with the four best third-placed teams, will progress to the round of 16.

Defending champions Uruguay will not be taking part, having failed to qualify after finishing fifth in the 2025 South American U-20 Championship. Their absence marks the eighth consecutive edition in which the reigning champions have failed to qualify for the following tournament.

The 2025 U-20 World Cup will be staged across four host cities in Chile, with 16 teams advancing to the knockout phase after the group stage.