The build-up to the FIFA U-20 World Cup is getting tensed with barely 72 hours to kick-off.
As expected, the attention of football scouts will be drawn to New Zealand, where the latest edition of the tournament is set to take place.
However, a new champion will emerge as the tournament’s reigning champions (France) will not be able to defend their crown after failing to qualify.
The 21-man squad presented by Nigeria for the tournament has been rated as the youngest for the tournament.
Made up largely of members of the 2013 Golden Eaglets squad that conquered the world in the United Arab Emirates, the world football governing body revealed that the average age of the Nigeria team is 18 years and nine months.
In no particular order, check out 5 players you can’t take your eyes of at the tournament. These 5 players all have one thing at the back of their minds, ‘Victory’’.
Giovanni Simeone – Argentina
Argentina will be present at this tournament and with a formidable squad, the young Argentine lads will be gunning for victory.
One player to look out for is Giovanni Simeone, son of Argentine international and Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone.
Giovanni Simeone
Simeone was the top scorer at this year’s South American U-20 Championship scoring nine goals in as many games.
With a fast pace, good movement of the ball and a goal poacher, Simeone will be one of the hot favourites in the running for the tournament top scorer’s golden boot.
Kelechi Iheanacho – Nigeria
Perhaps the attacking force for Nigeria, Iheanacho will have his eye on the ultimate goal.
Kelechi-Iheancho
The Manchester city forward has been labelled by some as the next big thing to emerge from African football. The Nigerian Fifa U-17 side won the tournament, a tournament which Nigeria has won more than any other country. It has however failed to take out the U-20 despite making the final twice, something Iheanacho will be looking to change.
Andreas Pereira – Brazil
Manchester united midfielder, Andreas Periera is one player to look out for.
Andreas Pereira
The Belgian-born Pereira looks like a neat prospect indeed, having starred in an attacking midfield role for the Reds devils’ reserves and impressing sufficiently enough to make his Premier League debut from the bench in March.
His eye for sublime passes would be very essential in Brazil quest for victory.
Taiwo Awoniyi – Nigeria
This young lad moved from his marginal role at the 2013 Under-17 world youth championship to being an integral part of the Under-20s in qualifying games and at the tournament proper.
He finally cementing his position as Nigeria’s top teen with a brace against Zambia to qualify Nigeria for the All Africa Games after he was drafted to the team following a 0-0 draw at home in the first leg.
Taiwo Awoniyi
Taiwo Awoniyi has been a special revelation this year. Everyone watched with awesome wonder how the young lanky striker has matured into a top notch footballer.
Awoniyi scored 6 goals to win both the highest goal scorer and the most valuable player (MVP) at the Super 6 tournament in February. In March, he spearheaded the strike force of Nigeria’s U20 team, Flying Eagles, to win CAF African U20 Championship in Senegal. He scored 3 goals to become the second highest goal scorer, behind his captain, Muhammad Musa.
Gedion Zelalem – USA
Gedion Zelalem will bolster the US national team after clearing various FIFA hurdles to compete for the side. The Arsenal midfielder has had senior game time for the Premier League giant and looks set to join the ranks as a regular in the future.
Gedion Zelalem
Dubbed to be his side’s play-maker, Zelalem will pick holes in the defence of his opponents and is sure to help the US find the back of the net.
Nigeria drawn against Brazil, North Korea and Hungary in Group E, will be looking to win the U-20 World cup for the first time.
The FIFA U-20 World Cup is less about great teams than great individuals. It’s a genuine opportunity to see some of tomorrow’s stars shine.
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