FIFA U-20 World Cup: Flying Eagles Group Announced, Draw Saudi Arabia

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have been drawn into Group F alongside Colombia, Norway, and Saudi Arabia for the 24th edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup™, following Thursday’s official draw ceremony in Santiago, Chile.

The event took place at Chilevisión’s Machasa Studios and was hosted by Chilean journalist Javiera Naranjo. FIFA’s Director of Tournaments, Jaime Yarza, conducted the draw with assistance from Argentine football legend and former U-20 World Cup champion Juan Pablo Sorín.

Set to be held across four Chilean cities—Santiago, Rancagua, Valparaíso, and Talca—the tournament will kick off later this year and culminate with the final on October 19 in Santiago.

A Familiar Opponent and a Historic Flashback

Nigeria’s group-stage encounter with Saudi Arabia rekindles memories of their historic clash at the 1989 U-20 World Cup, where the Flying Eagles defeated the host nation 2-1 in the opening match. That tournament remains iconic in Nigerian football history, particularly for the “Dammam Miracle”—an unforgettable quarterfinal in which Nigeria came back from four goals down to draw 4-4 with the Soviet Union before triumphing in a penalty shootout.

Colombia and Norway complete the lineup in Group F, setting the stage for a competitive and unpredictable group.

Full Group Stage Draw:

Group A: Chile, Egypt, Japan, New Zealand

Group B: Korea Republic, Panama, Paraguay, Ukraine

Group C: Brazil, Mexico, Morocco, Spain

Group D: Argentina, Australia, Cuba, Italy

Group E: France, New Caledonia, South Africa, USA

Group F: Colombia, Nigeria, Norway, Saudi Arabia

The top two teams from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, will advance to the Round of 16.

Defending champions Uruguay, who lifted the trophy in 2023 after a 1-0 win over Italy in Buenos Aires, will not be participating in this year’s tournament after failing to qualify.

Six-time champions Argentina lead Group D and are chasing their first U-20 title since 2007. Five-time winners Brazil headline a strong Group C that also features Mexico, Morocco, and Spain.

Nigeria’s Historic Links to Chile

Chile holds a special place in Nigerian football folklore. It was in this South American country that Victor Osimhen announced himself to the world during the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Osimhen claimed the Golden Boot with 10 goals and the Silver Ball as Nigeria secured their record fifth U-17 title.

Chile’s longstanding relationship with global football continues with this latest tournament. The country previously hosted the senior FIFA World Cup in 1962, the 1987 FIFA World Youth Championship—now the U-20 World Cup, and the 2008 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, where Nigeria’s Falconets reached the quarterfinals.

As the countdown begins to Chile 2025, fans around the world eagerly await the emergence of the next generation of football stars. With a rich history and a talented squad, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles will be aiming to make a deep run in this year’s competition.

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