Hot Sports Scoops | September 24, 2025
With one foot already on the plane to the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, Nigeria’s Flying Eagles sent a clear message to their Group F rivals on Tuesday: they are ready, confident, and very dangerous.
In what was their final warm-up match before the tournament, the Flying Eagles defeated Australia 3–1 at the Complejo Deportivo Ruca Mapu in Santiago, capping off their pre-tournament preparations in style.
Maigana Opens the Gates
The match began with high intensity, and it wasn’t long before Tahir Maigana stamped his authority on proceedings. The midfielder, who has grown in influence during Nigeria’s recent friendlies, slotted home calmly to give Nigeria the lead inside the first quarter of an hour.
It was a composed finish, but more than that; it was a statement. The Flying Eagles weren’t here to just test formations; they were here to win.
Achihi Doubles the Advantage
Shortly after Maigana’s opener, Achihi Oseer made it 2–0 with a smart finish following a flowing team move. The goal was a result of relentless pressure and swift interplay in midfield the kind of football that has become a hallmark of Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s setup.
Though Australia would respond before the break with a goal of their own, the first half belonged to Nigeria, who looked more fluid, more dangerous, and more motivated.
Agada Seals It Late
The second half saw Nigeria adopt a more measured approach, controlling possession and dictating tempo. Defensive discipline held strong, and transitions from midfield were efficient. Then, with less than 10 minutes to play, Charles Agada made sure of the result.
Latching onto a through ball, Agada showed composure beyond his years to fire past the Australian goalkeeper and seal a convincing 3–1 win for the West Africans.
The Final Verdict: Ready for the Big Stage
With this victory, the Flying Eagles wrap up their World Cup preparations on a high. Beyond the goals, the team showed tactical maturity, attacking intent, and a collective hunger that bodes well for the challenge ahead.
Coach Zubairu will be encouraged not just by the result but by the individual performances. Maigana, Achihi, and Agada each found the net, but the entire team unit looked sharp, disciplined, and cohesive qualities Nigeria will need when they face Norway, Saudi Arabia, and Colombia in Group F.
Group F Awaits
Nigeria will kick off their U20 World Cup campaign against Norway in just a few days. With this performance against a solid Australian side, expectations will naturally rise and rightly so. The Flying Eagles are not just participating. They’re arriving with intent.
Stay with Hot Sports Scoops as we follow the Flying Eagles throughout the U20 World Cup with match coverage, exclusive player profiles, and all the behind-the-scenes stories you won’t find anywhere else.