U-20 World Cup: Bameyi confident Nigeria can win maiden title

Nigeria U-20 national team captain Daniel Bameyi expressed optimism regarding the Flying Eagles’ chances of clinching the 2025 U-20 World Cup.

The Flying Eagles started their campaign on a disappointing note, going down 1-0 to Norway before bouncing back in their second game to edge past Saudi Arabia 3-2.

Bameyi scored the winning goal from the penalty spot in stoppage time.

Being quoted by FIFA.com, the defender believes that they have the team that can bring them victory, and go home with the title.

“Nothing is impossible in football. It’s a tournament that my country hasn’t managed to win yet, and I think we’ve got the quality in our squad to do what it takes. It would be fantastic for my country if we could bring the trophy home.”

The Flying Eagles will take on Colombia in their last group game on Monday, and they need a win to advance into the knockout round of the competition.

Nigeria ranks among the storied international youth football powerhouses at the U-17 level. However, they have been unable to repeat this feat in the U-20 category despite being seven-time African U-20 champions. In 1989 and 2005, they finished as runners-up at the U-20 World Cup after losing to Portugal and Argentina, respectively.

Their 2023 campaign in Argentina proved to be their best since reaching the quarter-finals in Colombia in 2011 and, with Bameyi once again as captain, they dream of pulling off their best result ever.