The last time Nigeria’s Flying Eagles reached the final of the FIFA U20 World Cup was in 2005 — a generation ago, when the likes of John Obi Mikel and Taye Taiwo inspired the team to a silver medal in the Netherlands.
Since then, near misses and early exits have defined Nigeria’s story at youth football’s biggest stage. Now, in Chile 2025, a new crop is determined to rewrite history.
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Among them is Suleiman Sanni, the exciting AS Trenčín forward, who spoke on the team’s mood, ambitions, and personal goals as Nigeria prepares to face Saudi Arabia, Norway, and Colombia on the group stage.
Asked about the atmosphere in camp and expectations for the tournament, Sanni’s confidence was unmistakable.
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“Yeah, a lot of positive things have been happening in the camp. Like you see the togetherness of the players and all the officials. So everything has been going great. We’re in good shape, I can say. But we’re looking forward to the tournament,” he said.
He also shed light on the mentality driving the squad.
“So it’s like a tournament of survivor of the fittest. So if we’re going to prove ourselves there, then definitely we’re going to be crowned the winners. Definitely, and hopefully, we’re positive about everything and how we’ve been training according to the instructions of the coaches.”
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With 24 teams competing in Chile, Nigeria’s path will be anything but easy. Yet, Sanni insists the Flying Eagles’ goals are clear and uncompromising.
“Our target is to, like you said, Nigeria have not gotten to that final for like 20 years, if I’m not mistaken. So our target is to reach there, to reach the final and take the tournament. Hopefully, we’ll be crowned the champions. That’s our target for this tournament.”
Flying Eagles on town
The Flying Eagles arrived in Talca on Thursday afternoon before participating in this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals. Group F matches involving Nigeria, Norway, Saudi Arabia and Colombia will take place in Talca.
FIFA and Local Organising Committee officials received the two-time World Cup runners-up before settling into their base at Hotel Diego de Almagro. Later that evening, the team held a light training session.
Nigeria wrapped up a 12-day training camp in Santiago, where they faced host nation Chile and Australia as part of their build-up. They played a 1-1 draw with Chile and then defeated Australia 3-1 in Santiago on Tuesday, which boosted morale before the finals.
READ ALSO: FIFA U-20 World Cup: Flying Eagles eye strong start against Norway after promising build-up friendlies
The Flying Eagles open their campaign against Norway on Monday, 29 September at Estadio Fiscal de Talca, before facing Saudi Arabia and Colombia in their remaining group fixtures.
For Sanni and his teammates, the burden of history is not a weight but a source of motivation.
To them, Chile 2025 is more than a competition. It is a chance to restore Nigeria’s legacy at the U20 World Cup and inspire a new generation.
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