Julius OkorieTwo-time second place finishers of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, Flying Eagles, are eager to know their group opponents as they aim to improve their performance at the world stage in Chile.
Flying Eagles qualified for the FIFA U-20 World Cup which kicks off in Chile in September after finishing third as the just concluded CAF U-20 Championship in Egypt. South Africa emerged champions winning their maiden title after beating Morocco in the final. The two finalists and the third place teams all qualify to represent Africa in Chile this year.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe draw for the Chile showdown that will feature 24 teams is being held today, May 29 in Santiago with Flying Eagles and other qualified teams set to know their group opponents any moment from now.
Lined up to contest the draw are FIFA’s Director of Tournaments, Jaime Yarza who will be assisted by former Argentine FIFA U20 World Cup winner and 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cup star Juan Pablo Sorin. Chilean journalist, Javiera Naranjo, has been given the responsibility of anchoring the event.
Of the 24 qualified countries, New Caledonia are the only country making a debut at the tournament scheduled for 27th September – 19th October.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Flying Eagles Claim Bronze, Beat Hosts Egypt 4-1
Defending champions, Uruguay, who beat Italy 1-0 in the 2023 final in Buenos Aires, failed to qualify. Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Paraguay are flying South America’s flag this time.
Argentina who hosted the tournament in 2023, have won the competition six times but have failed to lift the trophy in the past 18 years. Brazil have won it five times and are hoping to increase the tally as they join the race in Chile
Chile will no doubt resonate with Nigerians as it reminds many that it was in that country, 10 years ago, that Super Eagles’ ace, Victor Osimhen, announced himself to the world, winning the Golden Boot for the top scorer with an awesome 10 goals and the Silver Ball for second best player as Nigeria won her fifth FIFA U17 World Cup title.
Chile has hosted other major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup finals (in 1962), the 1987 FIFA World Youth Championship, which is now known as FIFA U20 World Cup (where Nigeria crashed out at group stage) and the 2008 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup (where the Falconets reached the quarter finals).
Matches will take place in Santiago, Rancagua, Valparaíso, Talca – all located in the centre of the country.
Qualified Countries For FIFA U-20 World Cup, Chile 2025:
Chile, Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Australia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Korea Republic, France, Italy, Spain, Norway, Ukraine, USA, Mexico, Panama, Cuba, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, New Zealand & New Caledonia
Nigeria has had an impressive run in this tournament finishing twice as runners up in 1989 in Saudi Arabia and Netherlands in 2005.
Aside from that the nation has also played third place 1985 in Russia while reaching the quarter-finals four times 1999, 2007, 2011 and 2023 in Argentina.
What is left for the Flying Eagles now is to move a step further by clinching the title, a dream which coach, Aliyu Zubairu and his boys are hoping will come to pass in Chile.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
