Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will head into the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile without some of their key overseas-based players, after European clubs refused to release them for the tournament.
European Clubs Block Player Release
French Ligue 1 side Stade Reims and Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim have both declined to release their Nigerian youth stars, as the tournament is not listed on FIFA’s official international calendar—allowing clubs to retain their players.
According to ScireNigeria, Emmanuel Chukwu and Precious Benjamin (Hoffenheim), who impressed at the 2023 U20 AFCON in Egypt, will miss out. Similarly, Ibrahim Hafiz of Stade Reims, who had recently trained with the Flying Eagles, has also been ruled out.
Head coach Aliyu Zubairu was forced to reshuffle his plans, finalizing a 21-man squad without some of his top talents.
Final Squad for Chile 2025 Announced
Despite the setback, the Flying Eagles have confirmed their final list ahead of departure to South America.
- Dropped: Enyimba winger Clinton Jephta, Bidemi Amole, and Divine Oliseh (all part of the 2024 WAFU B qualifiers).
- Misses Out: Defender Adamu Maigari, sidelined with a knee injury.
- Headlines the Squad: Team captain Daniel Bameyi, alongside consistent performers from training camps and tune-up games.
- Key Inclusions: Israel Ayuma, Ebenezer Harcourt, Charles Agada, Auwal Ibrahim, Kparobo Arierhi, Tahir Maigana, Odinaka Okoro.
Norway-based midfielder Daniel Daga will join the squad directly in Chile, completing the final roster.
The Flying Eagles departed Abuja on Sunday night with hopes of making a deep run in Chile, determined to improve on recent outings and challenge for the FIFA U20 World Cup title.
