The FIFA U-20 World Cup begins today in Columbia with one of Africa’s representatives, Mali taking on Korea Republic in the opening match of the tournament.

But Nigerians will focus their interest on what happens on Sunday, when the national U-20 team, the Flying Eagles face Guatemala in a Group D opener in Armenia.

This will be Nigeria’s eighth appearance on the global stage at this level – an African record. Their qualification for Colombia 2011 is a fourth successive trip to the FIFA U-20 World Cup finals.

The country has not done too badly as the Flying Eagles won a silver in Saudi ’89, and again     in the Netherlands in 2005. Nigeria were also third in the old Soviet Union in 1985, when their squad included their current senior team coach Samson Siasia

Pundits however, believe if there was anytime Nigeria was qualified to lift the coveted trophy, the time is now. The John Obuh tutored team have had the best preparation by a Nigerian team, for a long time now. Aside that, majority of the team is made up of the FIFA U-17 silver-medal-winning team of Nigeria 2009 fame which incidentally, was midwifed by the same John Obuh.

Team captain Ramon Azeez has promised to defend Nigeria’s status in this age grade competition by beating Guatemala in the opening encounter.

Coach Obuh will be banking on the creative instincts of Ahmed Musa, Uche Nwofor and Sani Emmanuel to get the desired goals that will propel them to victory.

Ever consistent captain, Ramon Azeez will marshal the midfield while Terna Suswam, Felix Udoh and Kenneth Omeruo will provide the necessary cover for goalkeeper Dami Paul.

Guatemala’s qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia 2011 represents an historic first for the central American country. While Los Chapines have twice appeared at the FIFA Futsal World Cup, qualifying in 2008 and hosting the event in 2000, they have only graced the finals of the Olympics, on three occasions.

If anything, Nigeria’s experience and her sterling record could intimidate the Central Americans into submission. Winning the first match of the competition would put the Eagles in a good stead to advance from the group stage.

The Nigeria/Guatemala match begins 9 pm Nigerian time.

Today

England  vs Korea DPR   8.30pm
Argentina  vs  Mexico      11.30pm
Austria    vs   Panama       11.30pm

FIFA U-20 World Cup Fixtures
Tomorrow

Brazil     vs   Egypt    
3am
Mali   vs  Korea Republic        11pm
Cameroon   vs  New Zealand   11pm

July 31
Colombia   vs   France   2am
Nigeria   vs   Guatemala     9pm
Costa Rica   vs  Spain   9pm