Nigeria’s Flying Eagles began their build-up to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup with a 1-1 draw against hosts Chile in a friendly match played in Rancagua on Saturday.
Ahmed Akinyele gave Nigeria the lead in the 18th minute, rising above the Chilean defence to head home Tahir Maigana’s corner. The hosts, however, drew level in the 36th minute when Felipe Faúndez calmly slotted past goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt.
The second half saw Harcourt pull off two vital saves to keep Nigeria in the game, while coach Aliyu Zubairu made changes, introducing Abduljelil Kamaldeen, Kparobo Arhieri and Auwal Ibrahim to freshen the attack. Despite the substitutions, the match ended in a stalemate.
The clash was the first of two tune-up games arranged as part of the Flying Eagles’ final 12-day training camp in Chile ahead of the World Cup, which kicks off on September 27 in Santiago.
