Nigeria’s Flying Eagles kicked off their final preparations for the 24th FIFA U-20 World Cup with a spirited 1–1 draw against hosts Chile in an entertaining friendly on Saturday in Rancagua.

The visitors made a bright start and were rewarded in the 18th minute when Ahmed Akinyele rose highest to meet Tahir Maigana’s pinpoint corner, nodding home the opener. Chile responded with intensity and found the equaliser 18 minutes later through Felipe Faúndez, ensuring both sides went into the break level.

Just after the restart, Nigerian goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt pulled off two crucial saves within a minute to keep the Flying Eagles on level terms. Coach Ladan Bosso rang the changes in the second half, introducing Abduljelil Kamaldeen, Kparobo Arhieri, and Auwal Ibrahim as the team maintained their shape and composure.

The friendly provided valuable match fitness and tactical insight ahead of Nigeria’s next test against Australia’s U-20 side on Tuesday, as the countdown to the global showpiece—now just a week away—continues.