As final preparations intensify ahead of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025, Flying Eagles head coach, Aliyu Zubairu has confirmed that most local-based players have responded positively and begun reporting to camp.
Zubairu, however, expressed concerns over potential delays in the arrival of foreign-based players due to ongoing club commitments.
He explained that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is negotiating with foreign clubs for the release of the players.
“This is the final stage of our preparation. By next weekend, I expect players to start arriving. The NFF is working to secure their release, although it may take around four to five days before everyone is in camp,” Zubairu told Brila.net.
The 24th edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup will take place in Chile from 27 September to 19 October 2025.
Matches will be played across four host cities — Santiago, Valparaíso, Rancagua, and Talca — with a total of 52 games scheduled for the tournament.
Nigeria has been drawn in Group F, where they will face Colombia, Saudi Arabia, and Norway.
The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, will advance to the round of 16.
With the tournament only weeks away, getting the foreign-based players into camp early will be crucial for team chemistry and fine-tuning tactics.
Aliyu Zubairu will continue to finalize camp logistics and welcome incoming players in the coming days, as preparations shift focus to fitness, tactical drills, and warm-up games before departing for Chile.
