By Aderonke Ojo
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have indeed landed in Santiago, Chile, for a 12-day final training camp ahead of the 24th FIFA U20 World Cup finals.
The team departed Abuja on Sunday, September 15, and arrived in Chile to fine-tune their preparations for the tournament, which kicks off on September 27 and runs until October 19.
In the group stage matches
– Nigeria vs. Norway: September 29, 9 pm Nigerian time
– Nigeria vs. Saudi Arabia: October 2, 12 midnight Nigerian time
– Nigeria vs. Colombia: October 5, 12 midnight Nigerian time
The 20-man squad, led by coach Aliyu Zubairu, features a mix of homegrown talent and Europe-based youngsters, including:
Goalkeepers:Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos), Clinton Ezekiel (Bayelsa United), Rufa’i Abubakar (Mavlon FC)
Defenders:Ocheche Amos Onyejefu (Stade de Reims), Odinaka Okoro (Sporting Lagos), Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United), Marvelous Avberosou (Ikorodu City), Alatan Azuka (36 Lions), Akinyele Ahmed Olamide (Remo Stars)
Midfielders:Achichi Oseer (Royal Antwerp FC), Sani Suleman (AS Trencin), Tahir Maigana (Wireless FC), Kparobo Arierhi (Lillestrom SK), Charles Agaba (NK Istra), Abdullahi Shitu Ele (Manchester City FC)
Forwards:Israel Ayuma (NK Istra), Emmanuel Ekowoicho (FC Montana), Mustapha Kamaldeen (Kwara Football Academy), Daniel Daga (Molde FC), Auwal Ibrahim (Akwa United), Nasiru Salihu (Qabala FC)
The Flying Eagles are seeking their first FIFA U-20 World Cup title, having finished as runners-up twice in 1989 and 2005 .