Danish native Daniel Daga

During the final tournament in Argentina, Daga, then 16 years old, established himself as a midfield trojan for Nigeria.

Daga is one of the team’s most seasoned players and is already a familiar face at this level. He joined Enyimba, the nine-time Nigerian champions, following the 2023 tournament and spent two seasons as a staple in their midfield. After turning 18, he relocated to Molde, Norway, which has improved his big-game mindset and tactical awareness. He scored two goals in 12 league games for his club prior to traveling to Chile to join his colleagues.

Arierhi Kparobo (Lillestrom SK, Norway)

As the team’s leading scorer since the WAFU B tournament, Arierhi stands out among his colleagues at his age as one of the greatest goal scorers the nation has ever seen. The Norway-based striker, who was discovered through former international Victor Ikpeba’s 5-aside competition in Warri a few years ago, has also shown himself at home with Beyond Limits Football Academy, where he scored 22 goals in 15 games last season to help the team win its fourth TCC championship.

He helped Nigeria win the WAFU B tournament with three goals, including two against Ghana in the final. He scored a penalty kick in the 2-2 group-stage draw with Kenya at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year in Egypt, playing a crucial role. He joined Mjondalen IF on loan and has been earning useful experience there.

(AS Trencin, Slovakia) Sani Suleman

Suleiman made his debut in the Nigeria Premier Football League with Akwa United a little more than a year ago. He scored 11 goals in 19 games to help the Promise Keepers avoid relegation and win Rookie of the Season. All of it took place in less than half a year.

After the team struggled with goals at the U-20 AFCON, head coach Aliyu Zubairu added him to the roster. He can attack from the midfield and is expected to be responsible for both creating opportunities and scoring goals. With two goals and one assist in the season’s opening five games, the 18-year-old enters the competition in excellent form.

Ahmed Akinyele (Nigerian Remo Stars)

Following calls from many sources, Akinyele finally gets his chance. The Remo Stars player, who has won leagues and played in the CAF Champions League, is arguably the best defender of his age on the NPFL. He will make a good partner because of his tactical awareness and ability to control play from the back. His acquisition also allows the squad to play three or four at the back.

Daniel Bameyi of Nigeria’s Bayelsa United

Bameyi’s strange club profile raised doubts about his inclusion in the last round, but this time the naysayers would remain silent. He led the Flying Eagles to the quarterfinals at Argentina 2023 and is now leading Bayelsa United to Chile for his second World Cup.

After an outstanding performance at the continental competition, the Nigerian skipper was selected for the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations’ Best XI.

Harcourt, Ebenezer (Sporting Lagos, Nigeria)

Thanks to two penalty saves in the U-20 AFCON quarterfinals shootout against Senegal earlier this year, the teenage goalie is among the players who helped the Flying Eagles advance to the World Cup.

Harcourt had already demonstrated his extraordinary skills during the game with a spectacular stop in the 53rd minute to prevent the Junior Teranga Lions from breaking the tie, and he remained composed throughout the intense battle.

Harcourt, who played against Congo in the final group stage game, was already well-known among Nigerian football fans and had senior experience with the CHAN Eagles. Harcourt stands out for his maturity and self-assurance, and his presence might be pivotal for a young team looking for leadership.