Nigeria at the 2025 U-20 World Cup: The journey so far

The Nigeria U-20 national team sealed passage to the Round of 16 at the 2025 U-20 World Cup on Monday morning, but it was a close-run thing.

The Flying Eagles needed a 1-1 draw against Colombia in their final match in Group F  to finish as one of the best third-placed teams in the group stage. That result took them up to four points, with their sole win so far coming against whipping boys Saudi Arabia, who finished bottom of the Talca-based group.

Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s side will face off against South American powerhouse Argentina on Wednesday for a place in the quarter finals. 

Nigeria results – U-20 World Cup

• Norway 1-0 Nigeria
• Nigeria 3-2 Saudi Arabia
• Nigeria 1-1 Colombia

Nigeria 🆚 Colombia#U20WC pic.twitter.com/BlGk43tA8Z

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 6, 2025

Nigeria goal scorers – U-20 World Cup

• Daniel Bameyi – 2 goals
• Nasiru Salihu, Amos Ochoche – 1 goal

Nigeria starting XI – U-20 World Cup

Ebenezer Harcourt; Amos Ochoche, Daniel Bameyi, Ahmed Akinyele, Odinaka Okoro; Daniel Daga, Israel Ayuma, Tahir Maigana; Nasiru Salihu, Suleiman Sani, Kparobo Arierhi

Nigeria – U-20 World Cup quick facts

• 50% of the Flying Eagles’ goals so far have come from the penalty spot
• Two members of the current squad – Daga and Bameyi – were part of the U-20 squad for the previous edition in 2023, where Nigeria beat Argentina in the Round of 16 to reach the quarter-finals
• Nigeria hit the woodwork three times in their draw against Colombia, a record for a single match at the ongoing tournament

3 most impressive Nigerian performers at the 2025 U-20 World Cup

Israel Ayuma

Amidst some iffy performances in this Flying Eagles crop, the Croatia-based youngster has been one of the  few shining lights. Possessing decent skill and good vision, he has shone while his midfield partners, particularly Daga, have grossly underwhelmed.

Kparobo Arierhi

He may be yet to get off the mark so far, but Arierhi has led the line admirably for Nigeria at this tournament. It is clear he still has some maturing to do physically, especially in terms of absorbing contact, but his running of the channels and directness in possession have helped the team no end.

Amos Ochoche

The right-back, based out of Reims, has also caught the eye in Chile. Not just for his goal,  but his overall play, which has been far above the standard of the rest of the defence. If he remains on the current trajectory, there is certainly a bright future in store for him.