Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have discovered their group stage opponents for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, they will contend in Group F alongside Colombia, Saudi Arabia, and Norway.
The draw ceremony took place in Santiago, Chile, in the early hours of Friday, officially placing Nigeria in what promises to be a competitive group.
Meanwhile, continental champions South Africa are set for tough battles in Group E where they face France, New Caledonia, and the USA.
In Group C, Morocco, runners-up at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, have a daunting challenge ahead as they’ve been paired with tournament heavyweights Brazil, Mexico, and Spain, who clinched the title back in 1999.
Egypt, on the other hand, will compete in Group A with host nation Chile, Japan, and New Zealand.
According to the tournament format, the top two teams in each of the six groups will qualify for the Round of 16, joined by the four best third-placed teams.
The 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup is scheduled to take place from September 27 to October 19.
Nigeria booked their place at the global youth tournament after finishing third at the U-20 AFCON held in Egypt.
The Flying Eagles will be hoping for a better outing than their last appearance in Chile back in 1987, where they failed to progress past the group phase.
Then drawn with defending champions Brazil, Italy, and Canada, Nigeria opened their campaign with a crushing 4-0 loss to Brazil.
They drew 2-2 with Canada after conceding a late equalizer and closed their group campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Italy.
Historically, Nigeria has twice reached the final of the U-20 World Cup, finishing as runners-up in 1989 and 2005. Ghana remains the only African nation to have won the tournament, having claimed the title in 2009 on home soil in Egypt.
Full Group Draw for 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup:
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
