The Nigerian Flying Eagles have unveiled their final 21-player roster for the upcoming FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, showcasing a dynamic mix of domestic stars and European-based talents, according to Soccernet.ng.
Coach Aliyu Zubairu has reinstated several familiar faces, including the talented 18-year-old midfielder Daniel Daga of Molde FK, who made a significant impact at the last tournament in Argentina. Daga, formerly with Enyimba, will join forces with captain Daniel Bameyi, who recently transferred from Bayelsa United to Slovenian club Primorje Ajdovščina.
Among the forwards, Manchester City’s promising striker Abdullahi Shitu Ele earns a spot, complemented by Stade de Reims defender Ocheche Amos Onyejefu and Croatian-based duo Charles Agaba and Israel Ayuma from NK Istra. Adding further European experience, Kparobo Arierhi, a forward from Norway’s Lillestrom, strengthens the attacking lineup.
On the home front, Remo Stars’ solid defender Ahmed Akinyele and Sporting Lagos full-back Odinaka Okoro have been rewarded for their impressive seasons with call-ups. Also included are Akwa United’s standout midfielder Sani Suleiman and the energetic forward Freedom Marvellous from Ikorodu City.
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In goal, first-choice keeper Ebenezer Harcourt is supported by Bayelsa United’s Clinton Ezekiel and Rufa’i Abubakar of Mavlon FC. The attacking contingent is completed by striker Charles Agada.
Nigeria, boasting seven African U20 titles, will face Norway on 29 September, Saudi Arabia on 2 October, and Colombia on 5 October in Group F. All matches will take place at Estadio Fiscal in Talca, approximately 250 kilometers from Santiago.
The squad departed Abuja on Sunday evening, traveling via Turkish Airlines through Istanbul before arriving in Santiago for a 12-day preparatory camp ahead of the tournament. Midfielder Daniel Daga will join the team directly from Norway.
This year’s FIFA U20 World Cup runs from 27 September to 19 October, with venues spread across Santiago, Rancagua, Valparaíso, and Talca. Nigeria is one of four African nations participating, alongside South Africa, Morocco, and Egypt.
The Flying Eagles have twice reached the tournament final, in 1989 and 2005, and narrowly missed out on the final in the last edition held in Argentina, losing to South Korea in extra time during the semi-finals. With a fresh squad led by Daga, Bameyi, and Ele, Coach Zubairu’s team is determined to surpass previous achievements in Chile.
COMPLETE ROSTER: FLYING EAGLES
Goalkeepers: Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos); Clinton Ezekiel (Bayelsa United); Rufa’i Abubakar (Mavlon FC)
Defenders: Ocheche Amos Onyejefu (Stade de Reims, France); Odinaka Okoro (Sporting Lagos); Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United); Marvelous Avberosou (Ikorodu City); Alatan Azuka (36 Lions); Ahmed Akinyele (Remo Stars)
Midfielders: Israel Ayuma (NK Istra, Croatia); Emmanuel Ekowoicho (FC Montana, Bulgaria); Mustapha Kamaldeen (Kwara Football Academy); Daniel Daga (Molde FK, Norway); Auwal Ibrahim (Akwa United); Nasiru Salihu (Qabala FC, Azerbaijan)
Forwards: Achichi Oseer (Royal Antwerp FC, Belgium); Sani Suleiman (AS Trencin, Slovakia); Tahir Maigana (Wireless FC); Kparobo Arierhi (Lillestrom SK, Norway); Charles Agaba (NK Istra, Croatia); Abdullahi Shitu Ele (Manchester City FC, England)
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