Flying Eagles to face Chile, Australia in friendlies before U20 World Cup

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the national U20 men’s team, the Flying Eagles, will play two international friendly matches against Chile and Australia as part of their preparation for the FIFA U20 World Cup finals later this year.

Head of International Competitions at the NFF, Dayo Enebi Achor, announced the fixtures on Monday, stating that the games were arranged to give the team competitive exposure ahead of the tournament.

According to the schedule, the Flying Eagles will face host nation Chile on Saturday, September 20. Chile are drawn in Group A of the World Cup alongside New Zealand, Japan, and Egypt. Nigeria will then take on Australia on Tuesday, September 23. Australia are in Group D, where they will compete against Italy, Cuba, and Argentina.

The Flying Eagles are two-time FIFA U20 World Cup runners-up and also secured bronze medals in 1985 when the Soviet Union hosted the tournament. At the most recent edition held in Argentina, the team advanced to the quarter-finals but were eliminated following a one-goal defeat to Korea Republic after extra time in Santiago del Estero.

The squad departed Abuja on Sunday evening for their training and friendly engagements.