Manchester United playmaker Andreas Pereira and Real Madrid forward Jean Carlos have said they would be ready to lead Brazil to victory over rivals Nigeria at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand.

The Flying Eagles open their campaign at the tournament against a star-studded Brazil side at the Taranaki stadium in New Plymouth on June 1, in what observers have dubbed one of the biggest match of the group stage.

The South Americans have named a 26-player provisional squad for the tournament, with coach Alexandre Gallo opting for more experience following a forgettable campaign in the continent’s qualifiers.

The 47-year-old trainer will cut his party to 21 before heading out to Australia, where they will undergo their training camp, on 16 May.

Other interesting names in the squad are Marseille prospect Alef, Atletico Paranaense’s prolific attacking midfielder Marcos Guilherme and Fluminense trick machine Kenedy.

Speaking to sambafoot,on the impending showdown with the Nigerians coached by Manu garba, who led the Golden eaglets to win the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup in U.A.E, Manchester United youngster Andreas Pereira said he was looking forward to an exciting clash with the African giants, who have ironically not won the FIFA U-20 title despite their potentials at that level of age-grade football.

“It is going to be an interesting match because I hear that they have quality players, which we also have but a lot will depend on how well one prepares for this game. I think it will be an open affair as I see them attacking us and we also attacking them because we love going forward”, said Pereira.

In his remarks, Real Madrid’s striker Jean Carlos said “the game is the first we will be playing in the tournament, so we have to be very careful not to start on a bad note. But I believe that much of the work will be down to preparations and I believe that we will be ready for the Nigerians on June 1”Also speaking, Coach Alexandre Gallo said “we called up committed players who have experience representing their country and have their [careers] shaped. We need players who are fully focused on our targets.”

After the game against Nigeria, Brazil’s next matches are against Hungary and Korea DPR in Group E.

Brazil have won five U-20 World Cups, one shy of record champions Argentina. A Seleção’s last triumph came in 2011, when a hat-trick from now-Chelsea ace Oscar propelled them to a 3-2 win over Portugal.