Nigeria’s Flying Eagles face Norway’s Young Vikings in their FIFA U20 World Cup opener in Chile.
Coach Aliyu Zubair’s squad blends homegrown and Europe-based players aiming for a bold start.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will kick off their FIFA U20 World Cup run against Norway’s Young Vikings at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca in Chile on September 29, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. WAT.
Both teams see the opening match as crucial, with Nigeria aiming to extend its strong history in the tournament. The Flying Eagles are featuring for the 14th time, having finished as runners-up in 1989 and 2005.
Coach Aliyu Zubair’s squad blends homegrown talent with Europe-based players, and the team is looking to improve its attack to make a bold start.
Norway, competing in their fourth U20 World Cup, will be led by coach Bjorn Johansen. The Young Vikings are determined to surpass their group-stage record and deliver a strong performance.
Nigeria’s squad for the tournament
Nigeria’s squad includes goalkeepers Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos), Clinton Ezekiel (Bayelsa United), and Rufa’i Abubakar (Mavlon FC).
Defenders such as Ocheche Amos Onyejefu (Stade de Reims, France) and Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United) provide experience at the back. In midfield, Daniel Daga (Molde FC, Norway) and Israel Ayuma (NK Istra, Croatia) offer balance and creativity.
The attack features Achichi Oseer (Royal Antwerp, Belgium), Kparobo Arierhi (Lillestrom SK, Norway), and Sani Suleman (AS Trencin, Slovakia), giving the Flying Eagles plenty of options in front of goal.
