28 April 2011
Five-time African champions Nigeria have received a favourable draw for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Colombia after they were pitched against Saudi Arabia, Croatia and Guatemala in the first round.
The Flying Eagles are drawn in Group D, which will be based in Armenia and Pereira, and open their campaign on Sunday, July 31 against Guatemala in Armenia.
Nigeria drew 1-1 with Group D rivals Saudi Arabia in a recent friendly in Dubai and are now expected to contend with Croatia for top spot in their first round group.
Africa’s three other representatives, Mali, Cameroon and Egypt, have relatively tougher draws.
Mali are in Group A along with hosts Colombia, France and Korea Republic, while Cameroon will battle Portugal, Uruguay and the champions of Oceania, who are yet to be determined.
Egypt face tournament favourites Brazil in their opening match of the Under-20 championship in a first round section that also includes Austria and Panama.
The top two teams from six groups along with four “third best teams” will qualify for the second round of the competition, which is slated for between July 29 and August 20.
All the groups:
Group A (Bogota/Cali)
Colombia
France
Mali
Korea Republic
Group B (Cali/Bogota)
Portugal
Uruguay
Cameroon
Champion of Oceania (TBD)
Group C (Manizales/Pereira)
Australia
Ecuador
Costa Rica
Spain
Group D (Armenia/Pereira)
Croatia
Saudi Arabia
Nigeria
Guatemala
Group E (Barranquilla/Cartagena)
Brazil
Egypt
Austria
Panama
Group F (Medellin/Cartagena)
Argentina
Mexico
England
Korea DPR
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Nigeria get favourable U20 WC draw