In seven days, the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup will commence, with about 504 players set to feature in the 24-team global showcase.
Nigeria’s national U-20 team, Flying Eagles, have been drawn in Group D alongside Qatar, Ukraine and USA, in the tournament scheduled to hold between May 23, and June 15, 2019.
FIFA Deputy Secretary General (Football), Zvonimir Boban, said all eyes have now turned to the 504 players who would be representing their various countries as they try to walk the path of other football stars who were discovered at the U-20 World Cup such as, Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi and Paul Pogba.
“All eyes now turn to Poland to see which members of the class of 2019 can emulate these legendary players.
“We can look forward to seeing top-class football, as the squads include names that are already performing at a very high level in some of the most competitive leagues around the world.
“The list also includes a few who have even played for their senior national teams.
“I expect a wide-open race, with plenty of teams having a real shot at reaching the latter stages, which will make the competition even more exciting,” — Zvonimir Boban
Boban who won the event with Yugoslavia in 1987, said it marked the beginning of his career, and he is confident that this year’s event would do the same for many other players as well.
Speaking on the host, Poland, Boban said the country has so far done a great job preparing for the global showdown.
“Poland will be fantastic hosts, as the Polish FA, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, has been doing a tremendous job led by its President, the football legend Zbigniew Boniek – to organise a great tournament with FIFA”
The Flying Eagles will begin their campaign against Qatar on May 24, before they take on the United States, three days later.
In their final group game, the Eagles will face Ukraine on May 30.
Featured image source: FIFA.com