It’s Flying Eagles against Brazil, Italy

Nigeria’s U-20 team, the Flying Eagles, have a tough task ahead, as they were drawn against Brazil, Italy and Dominican Republic in Group D of the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, yesterday.

The 2023 edition of the youth tournament would see 24 teams from six confederations converge in Argentina to vie for the U-20 world title from May 20 to June 11.

The draw was conducted at FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich by FIFA director of tournaments, Jaime Yarza, alongside former internationals Juan Pablo Sorin and David Trezeguet, with Samantha Johnson presenting.

Known as the Young Selecao, Brazil have won the competition five-times. Coach Ladan Bosso’s side qualified for the tournament after clinching bronze at the U-20 AFCON held earlier in the year.

Another African representative and continental champions Senegal were pitted in Group C alongside Japan, Israel, and Colombia. In Group E, South Americans Uruguay are up against Iraq, England, and Tunisia while Group F has France, Korea Republic, The Gambia, and Honduras.

Host nation Argentina, Uzbekistan, Guatemala, and New Zealand are all in Group A. USA, Ecuador, Fiji, and Slovakia will do battle in Group B in South America.

Nigeria will be aiming to become only the second African country after Ghana to land the trophy.

England have previously come up against two of their group opponents at U20 World Cups in relatively recent years. They took on Uruguay in their opening group game at the 2009 edition in Egypt, when a Young Lions team featuring the likes of Kieran Trippier and Ben Mee lost 1-0 to a late goal in Ismailia.

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