Nigeria’s Flying Eagles. Photo Credit: NFF Comms
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have received a major boost ahead of next month’s FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, Soccernet.ng reports.
The African giants have secured the international allegiance of two highly-rated teenagers, Divine Onyemachi and Jonathan Spiff Asuzu, ahead of England and Argentina.
Onyemachi, an 18-year-old winger who recently swapped West Bromwich Albion for Serie A side Lecce, was born and raised in England and had been eligible for the Three Lions.
Spiff Asuzu, also 18, was born in Buenos Aires to a Nigerian father and Argentine mother, making him a potential future option for Argentina. Both, however, have opted to commit to Nigeria, honouring their parents’ homeland.
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Onyemachi, Asuzu: Rising stars choose Nigeria
Onyemachi has been rewarded with a first call-up to the Flying Eagles’ training camp in Abuja as preparations intensify for the tournament, according to Ben Jacobs.
A lively and clinical wide player, he netted 11 times in 21 U18 Premier League appearances for West Brom last season, while also delivering two goals in the FA Youth Cup. He continued his development with another nine league goals the following campaign, form that persuaded Lecce to secure his signature this summer.
Head coach Aliyu Zubairu views Onyemachi’s addition as an injection of pace and creativity into a squad still chasing its first U20 World Cup crown after near misses in 1989 and 2005.
Meanwhile, River Plate’s Asuzu, a centre-forward praised for his movement, intelligence, and finishing with both feet, has also received his maiden Nigeria under-20 call-up.
Asuzu recently earned promotion to River Plate’s reserve side after standout performances in the youth setup, including a stint at the Mohammed VI Football Academy tournament in Morocco earlier this year. His admiration for Nigeria legend Austin Okocha, he says, played a key role in his decision to choose the Flying Eagles.
Nigeria’s World Cup journey
Nigeria will compete in Group F alongside Colombia, Saudi Arabia, and Norway in the tournament, which runs from 27 September to 19 October across four Chilean cities.
The Flying Eagles, one of four African representatives, will be joined by continental champions South Africa, Morocco, and Egypt.
Nigeria have never lifted the U20 World Cup with the Flying Eagles finishing as runners-up twice.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.