Nigeria's Flying Eagles have suffered a setback ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, with defender Marvelous Freedom ruled out due to a knee injury sustained during training earlier this week, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The Ikorodu City centre-back's recovery is not expected to be completed within the tournament's timeframe.
In response to Freedom's injury, head coach Aliyu Zubairu has called up Haruna Aliyu, a defender from Wikki Tourists, as his replacement.
Notably, Aliyu was initially dropped from the team just before their departure to Chile's final preparations. Aliyu will now travel to Chile on Friday to join the rest of the team.
The Flying Eagles are set to kick off their U-20 World Cup campaign against Norway next Monday, with Colombia and Saudi Arabia completing the Group F lineup.
By Olujimi Dare Ogun