Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have been drawn in Group D of the forthcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup scheduled to hold in Argentina and will face Brazil, Italy and the Dominican Republic in a proverbial Group of Death. 

The World Cup is billed to hold from May 20 to July 11, 2023, with 24 countries from six confederations slugging it out for the coveted trophy. Nigeria would be looking to claim its first having reached the finals twice, losing to Portugal in 1989 and Lionel Messi’s inspired Argentina in 2005.

The side led by experienced gaffer Ladan Bosso qualified for the tournament after clinching bronze at the U-20 AFCON held in Egypt.

Another African representative and continental champions Senegal have been placed in Group C where they’ll face Japan, Israel, and Colombia. Tunisia were pitted against Uruguay, Iraq and England in Group E while U-20 AFCON runners-up The Gambia will face Korea Republic, Honduras and France in Group F. 

In Group A, hosts Argentina will be favourite to make it out of a group that consists of Uzbekistan, Guatemala and New Zealand while the United States are favourite from Group B which has Ecuador, Fiji Islands and Slovakia.

Argentina is the most successful nation at the FIFA U20 World Cup since the competition was launched in Tunisia in 1977. The South American nation has won the tournament six times, the last being in 2007. It also hosted the competition 22 years ago.

Previously billed to be hosted by Indonesia, the Asian nation was stripped of hosting rights on 29 March 2023 amidst protests at the participation of Israel. FIFA officially announced Argentina as the new host of the tournament to replace Indonesia on 17 April 2023.