Flying Eagles edge to friendly win in Abuja as Nigeria receive big boost ahead U20 World Cup

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles sealed a narrow 1-0 victory over Simoiben Football Academy in a tightly contested friendly at the FIFA Goal Project pitch in Abuja on Friday, Soccernet.ng reports.

The early stages saw Simoiben, owned by Ibukun Moses-Simon, the wife of Super Eagles winger Moses Simon, grow into the game after nearly conceding from an early lapse.

They held firm in possession, testing Nigeria’s defensive shape with Emmanuel Mza receiving a yellow card for a late challenge on Cletus.

Despite flashes from Chinedu Dennis, who was denied by an offside flag, the first half ended goalless with neither side managing to carve out clear-cut chances.

However, the Flying Eagles gradually asserted themselves, and midway through the second half they struck decisively. A sharp attacking move was finished clinically to give Nigeria the breakthrough, with goalkeeper Emmanuel Oleru unable to prevent the effort despite an otherwise impressive display.

Captain Daniel Bameyi anchored the defence to repel late Simoiben pressure as the national U-20 side saw out the contest.

The defeat signals a learning curve for Simoiben FC, an academy that has already produced players for Nigeria’s youth national teams, including Super Eagles invitee Benjamin Fredrick.

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Meanwhile, the Flying Eagles’ preparations for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile have received a boost, as the release issues surrounding foreign-based players have been resolved.

Up to seven Europe-based prospects are expected by the Nigeria Football Federation in Abuja next week, including Victor Orakpo, Daniel Daga, Sani Sulaiman, Orsheer Achchi, and Ayuma.

Coach Aliyu Zubairu expressed delight at the imminent arrivals, describing them as crucial for shaping a competitive squad.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group F alongside Colombia, Saudi Arabia, and Norway at the FIFA U20 World Cup. The Flying Eagles will open their campaign against the Norwegians in Talca on 30 September.

With the European contingent set to bolster the camp, the Flying Eagles’ build-up is gathering momentum. Nigeria has twice reached the U-20 World Cup final, in 1989 and 2005, but has never lifted the trophy.