Here’s a detailed look at the Flying Eagles’ final 21‐man squad for the 2025 FIFA U‑20 World Cup in Chile, the players who will be missing, and what it could mean for Nigeria’s chances.

If you like, I can also list the full squad or analyse tactical implications.

The Situation: Withdrawals & Constraints

• The 2025 U‑20 World Cup is not on FIFA’s official match calendar, which means clubs are not obligated to release their players. (Vanguard News)

• Because of that, several overseas‑based players have been denied release by their clubs. Key among them are:

Emmanuel Chukwu (Hoffenheim) (Vanguard News)

1. 1. Precious Benjamin (also Hoffenheim) (Vanguard News)

   2. Ibrahim Hafiz (Stade Reims) (Vanguard News)

• Another blow: Adamu Maigari, a regular full‑back, is out with a knee injury. (Vanguard News)

These absences force coach Aliyu Zubairu to make adjustments, bringing in other players and changing plans. (bsnsports.com.ng)

The Final 21‑Man Squad: Key Features & New Faces

• Captain: Daniel Bameyi leads the squad. (Vanguard News)

• More than 10 players in the squad have already been involved in recent training camps and friendly matches, which helps with cohesion. (Vanguard News)

• Some of the new inclusions are:

  • Israel Ayuma

  • Ebenezer Harcourt

  • Charles Agada

  • Auwal Ibrahim

  • Kparobo Arierhi

  • Tahir Maigana

  • Odinaka Okoro (Vanguard News)

Departing squad location: The team left Abuja for Chile, though Norway‑based midfielder Daniel Daga is expected to join directly in Chile before their opening match. (Vanguard News)

Key Players Missing: Impact & Concerns

Here are some of the players whose absence stands out, and what their missing might mean.

These are especially impactful because they aren’t fringe players: they were in the mix, contributing in qualifying or in summer camps, and seen as prospects.

Their absence means Nigeria has to lean more on domestic players or those already in camp, some of whom may lack exposure to the intensity of World Cup‑level competition.

Adjusted Depth & Strategy: What the Flying Eagles Might Do

Given the missing players, here are possible ways the team might adjust:

1. Rely on home‑based or locally available players who are already in camp and match fit.

2. Some of the new names (Ayuma, Agada, Okoro, etc.) will likely shoulder more responsibility. (Linda Ikeji’s Blog)

3. Use Daniel Daga who is overseas‑based (in Norway) but will join directly in Chile. Having him could help bridge some of the missing experience. (Vanguard News)

4. Tactical flexibility might become essential: e.g. adjusting formation so the loss of a fullback is less severe, or changing attacking patterns if Ibrahim Hafiz isn’t there to stretch defences.

5. Strength in developmental potential: While they lose some star prospects, some of the younger or less experienced players will get exposure.

That’s good for long‑term growth, even if it might reduce immediate strength.

Outlook: What This Means for Nigeria’s Chances

• The Flying Eagles are historically strong in youth tournaments, and expectations are high. (Vanguard News)

• But losing key overseas‑based players and their regular fullback just before the tournament is a setback.

• It reduces tactical depth and may affect defensive stability.

• The absences could also shift pressure onto a few players.

• On the plus side, the coach had already been bringing many players through training camps and friendlies.

• That continuity helps. The new inclusions could bring surprises and hunger.

• If injuries can be avoided and the squad gels fast, Nigeria still has a realistic chance to compete strongly. But the margin for error is smaller than it would have been with a fully available squad.