The Flying Eagles’ preparation for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile has received a major boost as three foreign-based players – Arierhi Kparabo, Israel Ayuma, and Charles Agada – have joined the camp in Abuja.
Kparabo, 18, was the standout performer during the WAFU B U-20 Championship in Côte d’Ivoire, finishing as the top scorer and leading Nigeria to the trophy.
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He also impressed at the 2024 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in Egypt.
The former Beyond Limits striker now plies his trade in Norway with Mjøndalen IF, on loan from Lyn Oslo, where he has scored four goals in eight appearances this season.
His arrival is seen as a massive addition to coach Aliyu Zubairu’s squad.
Midfield dynamo Israel Isaac Ayuma, who currently plays for Croatian side NK Istra 1961, also joined the team.
The versatile midfielder, capable of operating both centrally and in an advanced role, is a product of Mavlon FC in Lagos and is expected to add creativity and balance to the Flying Eagles’ midfield setup.
Ayuma’s club teammate, Charles Agada, has also linked up with the squad.
A skillful forward who can operate both as a centre forward and on the wings.
Agada first shot to international prominence in 2023 when he emerged as top scorer at the Viareggio Tournament in Italy with 10 goals.
He later featured for Nigeria at the U-17 AFCON in Algeria, where he scored in the 3-2 group stage victory against South Africa.
Though he missed the 2024 WAFU B U-20 tournament due to injury, his return offers the team additional firepower.
The 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup kicks off on September 27 and runs until October 20 in Chile.
Nigeria is drawn in Group F alongside Colombia, Saudi Arabia, and Norway.
The Flying Eagles, who finished runners-up in Saudi Arabia 1989 and the Netherlands 2005, are aiming to finally clinch the elusive trophy and add to the country’s rich legacy at youth level, having won the FIFA U-17 World Cup a record five times.
