Nigeria’s U20 team, the Flying Eagles, are set to compete in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, hoping to erase the bitter memory of their 1987 group-stage exit, where they were favorites but fell to Brazil, Canada, and Italy. The seven-time African champions, coming off a semifinal loss to South Africa at the U20 AFCON, are eager to reignite fan support with a strong showing.
Recent friendlies in Chile—a 1-1 draw with the hosts and a 3-1 win over Australia—offer some hope. Veterans Daniel Bameyi and Daniel Daga, returning from the 2023 squad, bring experience to guide the team against Norway, Saudi Arabia, and Colombia in group play starting September 29.
The 1987 Chile tournament was a low point, with a talented squad featuring Nduka Ugbade, Jonathan Akpoborie, and Etim Esin failing to deliver. Only Thompson Oliha went on to have a notable senior career. To succeed now, the Flying Eagles must draw inspiration from their 1989 “Miracle of Dammam” in Saudi Arabia, where they staged a stunning 4-4 comeback from 4-0 down against the Soviet Union, winning on penalties.
Nigeria has never won the U20 World Cup, finishing second in 1989 and 2005. Expectations are modest this time, with a semifinal seen as the ceiling. Bameyi and Daga join an elite group of Nigerians who’ve played in two U20 tournaments, including Ugbade and Wilfred Ndidi. The squad, blending local and overseas talent like Charles Agaba and Abdullahi Shitu Ele, faces a tough road but aims to make history.
UFC’s Pereira Claims He Fought at 40% in Title Loss to Ankalaev
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira revealed he was at “40 percent” capacity during his title loss to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 in March 2025, where Ankalaev won by unanimous decision. The two are set to rematch at UFC 320 on October 4 in Las Vegas.
Pereira, 38, didn’t detail his condition but hinted at physical issues, with speculation of a hand injury. “Even if I’m 50 percent this time, that 10 percent will make a huge difference,” he told CBS Sports. The Brazilian, a former two-weight kickboxing and MMA champion, has fought through injuries before, including a broken toe at UFC 300 and 303 in 2024.
Tensions are high, with Pereira accusing Ankalaev, 33, of dodging him in person after online trash talk. Ankalaev, who won three or four rounds per judges’ scorecards in their first fight, said he’s lost respect for Pereira. The rematch is poised to settle the score.
