As the Nigeria U20 national team, the Flying Eagles, awaits its first group match in the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, one of the European-based stars, Orseer Achihi, has set his sights high, aiming to help the team break its World Cup jinx and cement his own reputation on the global stage.
Achihi, the dynamic winger for Belgian champions Royal Antwerp, has been named among the squad’s “Golden Seven” talents tipped to make a significant impact in the tournament. Known for his blistering pace, strength, and direct dribbling, the 19-year-old forward is expected to add a vital cutting edge to Coach Aliyu Zubair’s attacking options.
In a brief interaction with Nigeriasportsnews.ng Achihi made it clear that the objective is not just to participate but to win.
“Every young player dreams of playing in a World Cup, but as a Nigerian, you dream of winning it,” Achihi stated. “We respect our opponents in Group F—Colombia, Norway, and Saudi Arabia—but we do not fear them. We have a blend of local talent and foreign experience, and we are compact, disciplined, and quick. Our aim is to take it one game at a time, but our ultimate goal is to bring the trophy home.”
Achihi enters the tournament in buoyant form, having recently scored a crucial goal in the Flying Eagles’ final 3-1 warm-up victory over Australia in Santiago. His performance underlined his role as a key wide runner who can stretch defenses and create scoring opportunities—a role the team will rely on heavily.
Having moved to Europe earlier this year from P Sports Football Academy, the U20 World Cup is Achihi’s biggest platform yet. A strong showing is not only essential for the Flying Eagles’ title chase, but it will also solidify his position for a first-team breakthrough at Royal Antwerp.
Nigeria, two-time runners-up in this tournament, will kick off their campaign on September 29 against Norway in Talca.
Discovered and transferred by Nigeria Fotball Agent, Paul Omamomo, Achihi is expected to be one of the key figures driving the African hopefuls deep into the competition.