Preparations for Nigeria’s Flying Eagles ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup have been affected by the withdrawal of several key players.

Top European clubs, including France’s Stade Reims and Germany’s Hoffenheim, have refused to release their Nigerian players for the tournament in Chile, which is not scheduled on FIFA’s official calendar — giving clubs the right to withhold players from international duty.

As a result, Hoffenheim duo Emmanuel Chukwu and Precious Benjamin, along with Stade Reims striker Ibrahim Hafiz, will miss the tournament. All three were considered key prospects for the national team.

In response, head coach Aliyu Zubairu has named a revised 21-man squad that excludes several overseas-based players. Domestic talents like Enyimba winger Clinton Jephta, Bidemi Amole, and Divine Oliseh — who featured in the U-20 WAFU B qualifiers in Togo — were also left out of the final list.

Team captain Daniel Bameyi leads the squad, which includes more than 10 players who participated in recent training camps and friendlies. New additions include Israel Ayuma, Ebenezer Harcourt, Charles Agada, Auwal Ibrahim, Kparobo Arierhi, Tahir Maigana, and Odinaka Okoro.

Meanwhile, dependable fullback Adamu Maigari has been ruled out due to a knee injury.

The team departed Abuja for Chile on Sunday night. Norway-based midfielder Daniel Daga is expected to join the squad later, ahead of their opening match.

Nigeria, runners-up in 1989 and 2005, will be aiming to win their first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup title. The tournament kicks off on September 27 and runs through October 20. The Flying Eagles were eliminated in the quarter-finals by South Korea at the last edition in Argentina.

•Abubakar Kabir Bichi

Abubakar Kabir Bichi, member representing Bichi Federal Constituency has unveiled Bichi First Football Club.

He appointed a former Flying Eagles and Super Eagles player, Abubakar Musa, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career with Jigawa Golden Stars, Eagle Cement, Dolphins FC, Enyimba and clubs in Saudi Arabia, also served as Assistant Coach at Plateau United and Kano Pillars FC, as the club’s coach.

The lawmaker unveiled the coach on Thursday, September 11, at the club’s premises in Bichi Local Government Area of Kano State.

Hon. Bichi said the establishment of the club was part of efforts to harness football talents in his constituency and engage youths positively.

Hon Bichi said that plans are underway to construct an 18,000-capacity stadium in Bichi to further promote sports development.

“Our goal is to empower youths, discourage illicit activities and make Bichi First FC a source of pride for Kano State and Northern Nigeria,” he added.

In his remarks, Musa expressed appreciation to the club president and management for the confidence reposed in him, promising to deliver quality football that would make the club and its supporters proud.

Team Lagos has emerged champion of the 9th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.

Lagos won 52 gold, 32 silver, and 26 bronze medals Delta, the host state, displaced Edo State to come second with 37 gold, 38 silver, and 39 bronze medals.Edo State garnered 33 gold, 18 silver, and 28 bronze medals to finish third.

Thirty-three states participated in the game. They won registered a total of 802 medals, comprising 246 gold, 236 silver and 320 bronze medals.

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori urged the National Sports Commission (NSC) to urgently address the growing problem of age cheating at editions of the NYG in order to safeguard its credibility and ensure fairness.