The Flying Eagles have received a timely boost ahead of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, with promising centre back Haruna Aliyu drafted into the squad as a replacement for the injured Marvelous Freedom.
Aliyu, who is on loan at Wikki Tourists from Grass Runner FC, a club that competes in the third tier of Nigerian football (Nationwide League One, NLO 1), has been steadily rising in the domestic scene and now has the opportunity to showcase his talent on the global stage.
The defender was officially called up after Freedom’s injury setback forced him out of the squad.
According to reports, the Flying Eagles departed their Santiago training camp for Talca with Aliyu included in the traveling contingent.
Officials of Wikki Tourists have publicly backed Aliyu to excel with the national team. In an interview with our correspondent, the Bauchi-based club expressed confidence in the youngster’s ability to make an impact at the tournament.
Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu will be banking on the defender to add strength and depth to his backline as Nigeria embarks on its latest quest for U-20 World Cup glory in South America.
Born on 02 January, 2006, Aliyu is one of the younger players in the team, a detail that highlights the Flying Eagles’ commitment to blending youth and promise with experience at the tournament.
With the competition set to kick off in Chile, Aliyu now has the biggest platform of his career so far, and fans will be eager to see how the teenage centre back seizes this golden opportunity.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will face Colombia, Saudi Arabia, and Norway in Group F at the U-20 World Cup holding in Chile from September 27 to October 19, 2025.
