The Nigerian U20 and U17 national teams are entering critical phases of their respective FIFA World Cup campaigns, with the Flying Eagles aiming to recover from a first-match setback and the Flamingos gearing up for departure to Morocco after an impressive run of preparatory matches.
The Flying Eagles, seven-time African champions, face Saudi Arabia on Matchday 2 of the FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile, following a disappointing defeat to Norway on Monday.
Despite dominating large portions of the opening game and creating several scoring opportunities, Nigeria was unable to convert chances and had two penalty appeals denied by the referee.
Head Coach Aliyu Zubair stated that his team has moved past the loss and is focused on the upcoming encounter. “We have shaken off the defeat against Norway. Our attention now is fully on Saudi Arabia, and we are determined to secure the three points required to improve our position in the group,” Zubair said.
All key players are available for selection, though Israel Ayuma, Daniel Daga, and Charles Agada have received bookings and will have to exercise caution to avoid suspension for the final group match against Colombia on Sunday. Zubair indicated that he may maintain his preferred 4-3-3 formation while placing emphasis on attacking play and controlling possession.
Meanwhile, the U17 Women National Team, the Flamingos, are concluding an intensive training programme in Abuja ahead of their departure to Morocco for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals, scheduled from 17th October to 8th November 2025. The team has completed eight friendly matches, winning all, scoring 26 goals, and conceding none.
Speaking on the preparations, coach Bankole Olowookere remarked: “Our players have shown remarkable cohesion and resilience during the training matches. The perfect record in our friendlies has strengthened the squad’s confidence, and they are now ready to represent Nigeria on the global stage.”
The Flamingos’ final warm-up matches included a 3–0 victory over Abuja All-Stars, with goals from Praise Agba, Olamide Olanrewaju, and Zainab Raji, and a 2–0 win against Josiah Academy, secured by a Chisom Nwachukwu brace.
The team also recorded commanding wins over Nazareth Angels (5–0) and Horvel Prime (5–0), with standout performances from Queen Joseph, Shakirat Moshood, and Azeezat Oduntan. Goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu was particularly praised for multiple crucial saves, maintaining clean sheets throughout the friendlies.
The Flamingos have been placed in Group D alongside Canada, France, and Samoa. The squad is scheduled to depart Nigeria on 8th October, bringing their unbeaten streak and growing belief to the international stage.
“The team is fully focused on achieving our objectives in Morocco,” Coach [Name] added. “We have prepared meticulously, and our players are determined to demonstrate both their skill and the spirit of Nigerian football.”
Both teams are now at pivotal moments in their respective tournaments, with the Flying Eagles seeking to recover from an initial setback in Chile, and the Flamingos aiming to continue their unbeaten form as they embark on the World Cup journey in Morocco.
