{"id":122263,"date":"2025-09-15T17:46:35","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T16:46:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/?p=122263"},"modified":"2025-09-15T17:46:35","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T16:46:35","slug":"flying-eagles-final-21-man-squad-released-key-stars-absent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/news\/flying-eagles-final-21-man-squad-released-key-stars-absent\/","title":{"rendered":"Flying Eagles Final 21-Man Squad Released, Key Stars Absent"},"content":{"rendered":"
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By Oscar Okhifo<\/div>\n
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The Nigeria U-20 men\u2019s 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.<\/div>\n
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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.<\/div>\n
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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.<\/div>\n
\u00a0The clubs insisted the youth tournament is not on FIFA\u2019s official calendar.<\/div>\n
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The team also lost Adamu Maigari to a knee injury, leaving Zubairu with no choice but to bring in fresh names.<\/div>\n
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New inclusions are Israel Ayuma, Ebenezer Harcourt, Charles Agada, Auwal Ibrahim, Kparobo Arierhi, Tahir Maigana and Odinaka Okoro.<\/div>\n
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Meanwhile, Clinton Jephta, Bidemi Amole, and Divine Oliseh, who featured prominently in the WAFU B qualifiers, were dropped from the final roster.<\/div>\n
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Despite the setbacks, Zubairu expressed optimism that the squad has the balance and quality to compete. \u201cWe\u2019ve got a solid group with continuity from our qualifiers, and the boys are motivated to do the country proud,\u201d he said.<\/div>\n
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Final 21-Man Flying Eagles Squad for Chile 2025:<\/div>\n
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Goalkeepers:<\/div>\n
Nathaniel Nwosu<\/div>\n
Chibueze Odinaka<\/div>\n
Israel Ayuma.<\/div>\n
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Defenders are ,<\/div>\n
Daniel Daga (to join in Chile)<\/div>\n
Uchenna Ogboji, Benjamin, Charles Agada, Auwal Ibrahim,<\/div>\n
Solomon Agbalaka, Ebube Okere.<\/div>\n
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Midfielders are: Samson Lawal, Sunday Joseph, Ebenezer Harcourt,<\/div>\n
Kparobo Arierhi, Ibrahim Mohammed.<\/div>\n
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\u00a0Forwards are,<\/div>\n
Haliru Sarki, Yahaya Lawali, Ahmed Abdullahi, Odinaka Okoro, Tahir Maigana.<\/div>\n
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Nigeria will begin their campaign when the U-20 World Cup kicks off in Chile on September 27 and runs until October 20.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n