Flying Eagles Suffer Player Withdrawals Ahead of U-20 World Cup in Chile

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have suffered a setback in their preparations for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup as several key players were denied release by their clubs. Since the competition is not on FIFA’s official calendar, clubs are not obliged to release players for international duty.

German side Hoffenheim turned down requests for Emmanuel Chukwu and Precious Benjamin, while French club Stade Reims refused to release striker Ibrahim Hafiz. All three players were regarded as vital prospects for the team.

Head coach Aliyu Zubairu has finalized a 21-man squad without a number of overseas-based stars. Notably, Enyimba’s Clinton Jephta, Bidemi Amole, and Divine Oliseh, who featured at the WAFU B qualifiers in Togo, were excluded. Team captain Daniel Bameyi leads the squad, with new additions such as Israel Ayuma, Ebenezer Harcourt, Charles Agada, Auwal Ibrahim, Kparobo Arierhi, Tahir Maigana, and Odinaka Okoro. Defender Adamu Maigari misses out due to a knee injury.

The team departed Abuja for Chile on Sunday night, with Norway-based midfielder Daniel Daga expected to join them ahead of their opening game. The Flying Eagles will seek to better their quarter-final finish at Argentina 2023 as they chase a maiden U-20 World Cup title. The tournament runs from September 27 to October 20.