The anticipation is electric as Nigeria’s Flying Eagles set their sights on a historic run at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, with the nation’s hopes pinned on two of its brightest young stars: Abduljelil Kamaldeen and Tahir Maigana. These teenagers, hailing from vastly different backgrounds, are united by a burning ambition—to help Nigeria finally lift its first U-20 World Cup trophy after coming heartbreakingly close in 1989 and 2005.
The tournament, which kicked off in Chile on September 27, 2025, has drawn the world’s attention as the most promising young footballers converge for a shot at global glory. Nigeria’s campaign in Group F begins Monday, September 29, with a crucial opener against Norway. The group stage will also see the Flying Eagles take on Saudi Arabia on October 2 and Colombia on October 5, setting the stage for a demanding but potentially triumphant journey.
At the heart of Nigeria’s midfield is 16-year-old Abduljelil Kamaldeen, a product of the Kwara Football Academy. Kamaldeen’s selection for the final World Cup squad is no accident—he’s earned his stripes through a string of commanding performances earlier this year at the WAFU B U-20 tournament in Ghana. There, he helped orchestrate a dramatic 4-1 comeback win over Benin Republic, scoring in the dying minutes to seal Nigeria’s place in the semi-finals. The Flying Eagles eventually finished second in the tournament, narrowly losing to Ivory Coast in the final, but Kamaldeen’s stock only rose.
Kamaldeen’s midfield prowess has been widely praised by coaches and analysts alike. His ability to control the tempo, break up opposition play, and launch attacks has made him one of the side’s most valuable assets. According to Transfer Markt, the young midfielder is currently valued at €25,000—a testament to his potential and growing reputation in African football.
His journey to the world stage is steeped in legacy as well. Kamaldeen is the grandson of Sheikh Kamaldeen Al-Adaby, the first Mufty of Ilorin, and carries the prayers of his community with him. Despite being the youngest player in Nigeria’s squad, he’s shouldered the responsibility with maturity beyond his years. In a friendly match just last week against host nation Chile in Rancagua, Kamaldeen was instrumental in the 1-1 draw, showcasing his readiness for the global spotlight.
"We know what we came to do in Chile, and we, the players, have spoken among ourselves that we need to start the tournament on a winning note. As for me, I promise to give my best to help the team achieve success," Kamaldeen declared, his voice echoing the determination of a squad hungry for a breakthrough.
On the right wing, 17-year-old Tahir Maigana brings his own remarkable story of grit and resilience. Maigana’s journey from the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Maiduguri, Borno State—a region long affected by the Boko Haram insurgency—to the international football stage has inspired fans across Nigeria. Despite the upheaval and challenges of life in an IDP camp, Maigana’s talent shone through, earning him a place with Wireless Football Club in Abuja and, ultimately, a spot in Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s final World Cup squad.
Maigana’s footballing credentials are impressive. He played all six matches for Nigeria at the 2025 U-20 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt, where the Flying Eagles clinched the bronze medal after a dramatic 4-1 penalty shootout win over Egypt following a 1-1 draw. His creativity, vision, and ability to unlock defenses with his left foot make him a constant threat on the flank—a player who can turn the tide of a match in an instant.
"We cannot afford to fail in this tournament because we know what Nigerians are expecting from us back home. We will do our very best to ensure that we come out victorious against Norway in our first group game," Maigana said, his words resonating with the hopes of a nation yearning for success.
Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s faith in these youngsters is well placed. Both Kamaldeen and Maigana have demonstrated their mettle in high-pressure situations. During the WAFU B U-20 tournament, Kamaldeen started ahead of Ezekiel Kpangu in a key match, helping Nigeria edge Niger Republic 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time. Such decisions underscore the depth and flexibility of the Flying Eagles’ squad—a blend of youthful exuberance and tactical discipline.
The road to Chile has not been without its challenges. Nigeria’s last major youth tournament saw them finish third at the U-20 AFCON, a campaign marked by resilience and flashes of brilliance. The lessons learned from those hard-fought matches in Egypt are sure to serve the Flying Eagles well as they navigate the group stage in Chile.
For Maigana, the World Cup is more than just a football tournament—it’s a platform to showcase the transformative power of sport. His rise from adversity to the world’s biggest youth stage is a powerful reminder of what perseverance and raw talent can achieve. It’s no wonder that fans and pundits alike are tipping him as one of the breakout stars of the tournament.
Nigeria’s group is no walk in the park. Norway, their first opponents, are known for their physicality and tactical organization, while Saudi Arabia and Colombia bring their own unique challenges. But with Kamaldeen pulling the strings in midfield and Maigana darting down the wing, the Flying Eagles have the firepower and flair to make a deep run.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Nigeria has twice finished as runners-up in the U-20 World Cup, in 1989 and 2005, but the ultimate prize has remained elusive. This year, the squad is determined to write a new chapter in Nigerian football history. The combination of homegrown talent, international experience, and unyielding spirit could be the recipe for long-awaited glory.
As the Flying Eagles prepare to take the field against Norway, excitement is reaching fever pitch back home. Millions of Nigerians will be watching, hoping that Kamaldeen, Maigana, and their teammates can deliver the performance of a lifetime. The opening whistle is just hours away, and with it, the chance for Nigeria’s youth to announce themselves to the world.
With their first group match about to kick off, the Flying Eagles’ quest for a maiden FIFA U-20 World Cup title is officially underway. All eyes are on Kamaldeen and Maigana as they lead Nigeria’s charge in Chile, determined to inspire a nation and chase footballing immortality.
