Monica Iheakam
The duo of FIFA Legends Bebeto and Fernando Couto will decide the fate of Nigeria’s U-20 national team Flying Eagles , alongside the other 23 contenders for the FIFA U-20 World Cup tagged Poland 2019.
Bebeto and Coutou will mount the stage in Gdynia, Poland on February 24 for the official draw for the tournament billed for May 23 to June 15.
Nigeria two- time Silver medalist of the championship, has been allotted Pot 2 out of the four pots of six teams. The Flying Eagles is joined in Pot 2 by the first time Africa U-20 champions, the Junior Eagles of Mali.
Bebeto, a winner of the FIFA World Cup™ in 1994 and the FIFA U-20 World Cup 1983, and Couto, who won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 1989, will be the draw assistants for the ceremony at 17:30 CET in Gdynia Arena.
Nigeria has featured twice in the final losing 2-0 to Portugal in 1989 and 2-1 to a Lionel Messi inspired Argentina in 2005.
The likes Mutiu Adepoju, Taye Taiwo John Mikel Obi are some of the Nigerian players who shone in the competition in the past with the Flying Eagles.
“Winning the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 1983 was an absolute highlight in my career. This was not only about the matches but the atmosphere, the stadiums and the overall setting. Having such a tremendous football history and tradition, I’m sure Poland will put on a fantastic tournament,” says Bebeto.