Flying Eagles captain Daniel Bameyi says Nigeria are fully prepared to “make the nation proud” at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.
The tournament runs from 27 September to 19 October, with the seven-time African champions drawn against Saudi Arabia, Norway and Colombia in Group F.
“We are fully prepared, we’ve been training and this is the right time for us to show what we’ve been working for,” Bameyi told Victor Ademola ahead of Monday’s opener against Saudi Arabia.
Nigeria are making a record 14th appearance at the tournament – more than any other African side.
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Their best finish remains two runners-up spots, but they exited the 2023 edition at the quarter-finals after a narrow 1-0 defeat to South Korea.
“We had the opportunity to bury that game but unfortunately didn’t take our chances,” Bameyi recalled. “So many lessons were learnt from that match.”
Daniel Bameyi during the U20 AFCON. Photo Credit: DagaShotz
Since then, Nigeria have gained more international experience, winning bronze at the 2023 U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt and silver at the 2025 WAFU B U20 tournament.
“This team is an improved one. From the WAFU to the AFCON, now we’re at the World Cup. All lessons were learnt and we will try to improve on that,” Bameyi added.
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With expectations high, the captain called for unity and support.
“We know how difficult the World Cup is. No country is small and it’s football, anything can happen. We are asking that you keep praying for us, and keep supporting us, and we will give our best to make the country proud.”
