Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have secured a significant boost ahead of next month’s FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, after winning the commitment of two teenage prospects courted by England and Argentina, footynaija.com reports.
Divine Onyemachi, an 18-year-old winger who recently left West Bromwich Albion for Serie A side Lecce, and River Plate forward Jonathan Spiff Asuzu, also 18, have both pledged their international futures to Nigeria.
Onyemachi, born and raised in England, had been eligible for the Three Lions but has instead accepted his first call-up to Nigeria’s U20 training camp in Abuja.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW! Isat down with Divine Onyemachi, the sensational new talent at West Bromwich Albion U18, already being hailed as the next Ademola Lookman! In this inspiring chat, Divine opens up about his journey, challenges, and dreams of dominating European football! pic.twitter.com/npHQgvEcoL
— Ayo Olu Ibidapo (@aysugaofficial) April 27, 2025
A pacey and clinical attacker, he scored 20 goals across two seasons in England’s U18 competitions before securing a move to Italy.
Asuzu, born in Buenos Aires to a Nigerian father and Argentine mother, has also been drafted into the Flying Eagles set-up after impressing for River Plate’s youth and reserve sides. Known for his movement and finishing ability, he caught the eye earlier this year at the Mohammed VI Academy tournament in Morocco.
They will join several foreign-based teammates already in camp, including Norway-based midfielder Wilfred George and Sheffield United winger Christian Nwachukwu.
Nigeria are drawn in Group F alongside Norway, Saudi Arabia, and Colombia. The Flying Eagles begin their campaign against Norway on 29 September, with the competition running across four cities in Chile from 27 September to 19 October.
Nigeria have never won the U20 World Cup despite reaching the final twice.