Nigeria will begin its campaign to win the only missing FIFA youth championship in its trophy chest when it tackles Norway in their opening game of the 2025 U-20 World Cup at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca in Chile.
Nigeria has played in the final of the competition twice, in Saudi Arabia in 1989 and in The Netherlands in 2005, losing to Portugal and Argentina on both occasions respectively.
This term, the Aliyu Zubair-led team believe they have the materials to end their compatriots’ long wait for the elusive trophy. That belief will be tested by the Norwegians, who are making their third appearance on this stage.
Nigeria sealed their qualification to Chile after finishing third, with the bronze medals, during the Africa U20 Cup of Nations finals in Egypt.
Buoyed by their 1-1 draw against host nation Chile and 3-1 win over Australia in preparatory friendlies for the tournament, the Flying Eagles are brimming with confidence ahead of the encounter with Norway. The squad is made up of a blend of homeboys and Europe-based players.
Fortunately, the Aliyu Zubair-led squad will be banking on the experience of team Captain, Daniel Bameyi and midfielder Daniel Daga, who were part of the immediate past team that reached the quarter-final stage in Argentina in 2023.
The seven-time African champions will aim for victory as they want to kick off their campaign with a win, starting 5.00 p.m. Chile time (9.00 p.m. in Nigeria).
