By Victor Kanayo
The draw ceremony for this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals will take place in Santiago, the capital city of Chile, on Thursday, with the event scheduled for Chilevision’s Machasa studios from 6pm Chile time (1pm Nigeria time).
According to organisers, Chilean journalist Javiera Naranjo will host the event.
The organisers on Wednesday revealed that FIFA’s Director of Tournaments, Jaime Yarza, will conduct the draw, to be assisted by former Argentine FIFA U20 World Cup winner and 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cup star Juan Pablo Sorin.
African Representatives
Nigeria is one of the four countries to fly Africa’s flag, with African U20 champions South Africa, Morocco and Egypt the others.
All 24 participating nations are now known, with New Caledonia the only country that will debut at the tournament scheduled for 27th September – 19th October.
All Participating Nations
Chile, Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Australia, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Korea Republic, France, Italy, Spain, Norway, Ukraine, USA, Mexico, Panama, Cuba, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, New Zealand & New Caledonia are among participating nations.
Defending champions Uruguay, who beat Italy 1-0 in the 2023 final in Buenos Aires, failed to qualify. Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and Paraguay are flying South America’s flag this time.
Argentina, 2023 hosts, have won the competition six times, though are without a trophy in the past 18 years. Brazil have won it five times.
Fond Memories, Evolution Of Nigerian Stars
The mention of ‘Chile’ evokes warm memories amongst Nigerians, as they remember that it was in that country, 10 years ago, that Super Eagles’ ace Victor Osimhen announced himself to the world, winning the Golden Boot for the top scorer with an awesome 10 goals and the Silver Ball for second best player as Nigeria won her fifth FIFA U17 World Cup title.
Chile has hosted other major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup finals (in 1962), the 1987 FIFA World Youth Championship, which is now known as FIFA U20 World Cup (where Nigeria crashed out at group stage) and the 2008 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup (where the Falconets reached the quarter finals).
Matches will take place in Santiago, Rancagua, Valparaíso, Talca – all located in the centre of the country.
