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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handpicked four Nigerian youngsters as players to watch at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, which kicks off on 27 September, Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria, bronze medallists at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt earlier this year, return to the global stage for a record 14th appearance by an African nation.
Drawn in Group F alongside Saudi Arabia, Norway and Colombia, the Flying Eagles will be looking to extend their proud tradition at this level, having reached the final twice (1989, 2005) and the quarter-finals as recently as 2023.
Ahead of the tournament, CAF’s spotlight falls on striker Kparobo Arierhi, midfielder Daniel Daga, winger Abduljelil Kamaldeen, and defender Daniel Bameyi.
Arierhi, a powerful centre-forward, caught the eye in qualifying with his tireless pressing and sharp penalty-box movement. Daga has already earned a reputation as Nigeria’s midfield anchor, breaking up play and setting the tempo in tight contests.
Kamaldeen offers pace and unpredictability from wide areas, while captain Bameyi brings defensive leadership and aerial strength at both ends of the pitch.
Head coach Aliyu Zubair, appointed last year, has blended homegrown NPFL talent with Europe-based teenagers in a side built on compact defending and rapid transitions.
His pragmatic 4-3-3 system relies heavily on set-pieces and quick counter-attacks, making Nigeria a difficult proposition for any opponent.
The Flying Eagles, who defeated Australia 3-1 this week, open their campaign against Saudi Arabia on 29 September before facing Norway and Colombia. With four of Africa’s brightest prospects in their ranks, Nigeria will believe another deep run in October is possible.
