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By Oscar Okhifo
The Nigeria U-20 men’s team, the Flying Eagles, have released their final 21-man squad for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, but the announcement has been overshadowed by the absence of key players withheld by their clubs and one ruled out by injury.
Head coach, Aliyu Zubairu confirmed that the team departed Abuja with 20 players on Sunday, while highly-rated midfielder Daniel Daga will link up with the squad directly in Chile.
However, the Eagles suffered major setbacks as three Europe-based players were denied release by their clubs. Bundesliga side Hoffenheim blocked Emmanuel Chukwu and Precious Benjamin from travelling, while French club Stade Reims refused to release Ibrahim Hafiz.
The clubs insisted the youth tournament is not on FIFA’s official calendar.
The team also lost Adamu Maigari to a knee injury, leaving Zubairu with no choice but to bring in fresh names.
New inclusions are Israel Ayuma, Ebenezer Harcourt, Charles Agada, Auwal Ibrahim, Kparobo Arierhi, Tahir Maigana and Odinaka Okoro.
Meanwhile, Clinton Jephta, Bidemi Amole, and Divine Oliseh, who featured prominently in the WAFU B qualifiers, were dropped from the final roster.
Despite the setbacks, Zubairu expressed optimism that the squad has the balance and quality to compete. “We’ve got a solid group with continuity from our qualifiers, and the boys are motivated to do the country proud,” he said.
Final 21-Man Flying Eagles Squad for Chile 2025:
Goalkeepers:
Nathaniel Nwosu
Chibueze Odinaka
Israel Ayuma.
Defenders are ,
Daniel Daga (to join in Chile)
Uchenna Ogboji, Benjamin, Charles Agada, Auwal Ibrahim,
Solomon Agbalaka, Ebube Okere.
Midfielders are: Samson Lawal, Sunday Joseph, Ebenezer Harcourt,
Kparobo Arierhi, Ibrahim Mohammed.
Forwards are,
Haliru Sarki, Yahaya Lawali, Ahmed Abdullahi, Odinaka Okoro, Tahir Maigana.
Nigeria will begin their campaign when the U-20 World Cup kicks off in Chile on September 27 and runs until October 20.