Flying Eagles face travel uncertainty ahead of FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile

By Dayo Awoniyi

With just weeks to go before the FIFA U20 World Cup kicks off in Chile, uncertainty continues to surround the travel arrangements of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, raising questions about the team’s final preparations.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to finalize a confirmed departure date for the squad, sparking concerns among fans and stakeholders about the team’s readiness for the global tournament.

A top NFF official, however, sought to ease worries, assuring that clarity on the matter will emerge soon.

“I am sure very soon they will travel. We will conclude their travel schedule next week. The plan is to get them to play a couple of friendly games before the group matches,” the official stated.

Nigeria, two-time finalists at the competition, will fly Africa’s flag alongside South Africa, Morocco, and Egypt.

The Flying Eagles have been drawn into Group C, where they will open their campaign against Norway on September 29, 2025, before facing Saudi Arabia on October 3. Their final group-stage clash comes against Colombia on October 6.

This year’s tournament marks the second time Chile will host the U20 World Cup, having staged it first in 1987, when Yugoslavia triumphed.

Defending champions Uruguay arrive with momentum after clinching their maiden title in 2023 by edging Italy 1-0 in the final.

Argentina, with six titles, remain the competition’s most successful nation, although their last triumph came in 2007, while rivals Brazil closely follow with five titles.

For Nigeria, whose youth teams have historically provided a platform for future senior stars, the current uncertainty over logistics risks disrupting their preparation.

With the opener fast approaching, both the players and coaching staff will be hoping the federation swiftly resolves all travel arrangements to ensure the Flying Eagles arrive in Chile in optimal condition.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He began his career at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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