Flying Eagles Suffer Blow as Marvelous Freedom Ruled Out of U-20 World Cup

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria have been dealt a major setback ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup as defender Marvelous Freedom has been ruled out of the tournament. The Ikorodu City centre-back sustained a knee injury during training earlier this week, which has now dashed his hopes of featuring at the global showpiece.

Team doctors confirmed that Freedom would not recover in time to participate in the competition, leaving head coach Aliyu Zubairu with no choice but to make a late change to his squad. In his place, Zubairu has recalled Haruna Aliyu of Wikki Tourists, who had been dropped just before the team’s departure for their final preparations in Chile.

Aliyu’s return offers him a lifeline to prove himself on the international stage after narrowly missing out. He is expected to leave Nigeria on Friday morning to rejoin the squad in Chile, where the Flying Eagles are currently putting finishing touches to their preparation for the tournament.

Nigeria will kick off their campaign at the U-20 World Cup against Norway next Monday. The match is expected to test the readiness of the young squad, which has been working hard under Zubairu to sharpen both their defensive and attacking strategies.

The Flying Eagles will also face Colombia and Saudi Arabia in the group stage, with hopes of progressing deep into the tournament. Despite the absence of Marvelous Freedom, the team remains determined to make a strong impact and fly Nigeria’s flag with pride.