Nigeria’s U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, will compete at the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile without several key players after foreign clubs declined the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) request for their release.
French Ligue 1 club Stade Reims and Bundesliga side Hoffenheim both turned down the request, ruling out Emmanuel Chukwu and Precious Benjamin—who featured at the 2023 U-20 AFCON in Egypt—due to Hoffenheim’s stance. Stade Reims’ decision also means striker Ibrahim Hafiz will miss the tournament.
In response, head coach Aliyu Zubairu reshuffled his roster, unveiling a 21-man squad that introduced fresh names while leaving out some regulars.
Among the notable omissions are Enyimba winger Clinton Jephta, as well as Bidemi Amole and Divine Oliseh, all of whom played in the U-20 WAFU B qualifiers in Togo last year.
The squad will be captained by Daniel Bameyi, supported by more than ten players who have been consistent in recent training camps and friendly matches.
New inclusions in the final list are Israel Ayuma, Ebenezer Harcourt, Charles Agada, Auwal Ibrahim, Kparobo Arierhi, Tahir Maigana, and Odinaka Okoro.
The 20-man contingent departed Abuja on Sunday night, while Norway-based midfielder Daniel Daga will link up with the team in Chile to complete the final roster.