FIFA Tips Nigeria As The favourite To Win 2019 U17 World Cup

FIFA Tips Nigeria As The favourite To Win 2019 U17 World Cup

By Niyi Busari

Federation of International Football Association, FIFA has tipped five-time winner Nigeria has the favourite to win the 2019 FIFA U17 World Cup in Brazil, BSNSports.com.ng can report.

The world football governing body while assessing participating teams ahead of the kick off says Nigeria is picked as favourite because of their unbeatable record in the competition.

"With their formidable record in this age category, Nigeria will once again be serious contenders. However, if they are to live up to expectations, they will have to improve on their performance at this year’s U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, where they could only manage fourth." FIFA says on its website.

After failing to qualify for the last edition in India two years ago, the Golden Eaglets are very keen to remind everyone why they are the most successful team in the history of this competition with eight finals and five titles to their name.

The Netherlands also arrive in confident mood after retaining their European title this year. Boasting a squad with a large contingent born outside the country, the Europeans will be hoping that the mix can help them improve on their previous best finish of third in 2005.

Despite not having a particularly good continental championship, Brazil have been preparing well in recent months. That coupled with the arrival of some new faces has the home fans dreaming of a fourth world title in this category.

France, Italy and Spain all have some very promising youngsters in their ranks and impressed during European qualifying with their respective playing styles.