Four Nigerian teams competing in the 75th Viareggio Cup tournament in Italy have learned their opponents after the draw held on Monday.
Mavlon Football Club and Ojodu City FC will be leveraging their experiences at the previous editions while debutants Ijele FC and Magic Stars also hope to establish themselves on the international stage.
The men’s category features 24 teams from the under 18 category, divided into six groups of 4 (group A: 1-2-3; group B: 4-5-6): the top two teams from each group plus the two best third-place teams from each group advance to the eighth-finals.
Mavlon FC, Ijele and Magic Stars are in Group A while Ojodu City are in Group B.
Abuja-based Mavlon will face to Italian sides, Fiorentina, Imolese and Serbia’s Red Star.
Ijele would hope to qualify from Group 2 consisting of Internacional (Brazil) as well as two Italian clubs Genoa and Perugia.
In Group 3 Magic Stars are welcomed by home sides, Sassuolo and Casarano and Apia Leichhardt (Australia).
Last season’s semi-finalist Ojodu City would square out against Torino, Pontedera and Greek club Asteras Aktor.
Others groups in B:
Group 5: Sampdoria, Jóvenes Promesas (Spain), Westchester United (United States), Berekum Chelsea (Ghana)
Group 6: Serie D Representatives, Rukh (Ukraine), Uyss New York (United States), Olympique Thiessois (Senegal)
*Group A matches will be played on Monday 17, Wednesday 19 and Friday 21 March.
Group B matches will be played on Tuesday 18, Thursday 20 and Saturday 22 March.
Last year’s winners Beyond Limits Football Academy had earlier confirmed participation but pulled out due to management decision.
Beyond Limits FA became the first African side to win Viareggio following a victory over Republic of Congo’s Centre National Brazzaville FC in last edition final.
AC Milan and Juventus FC are the most successful clubs with nine trophies each while Fiorentina and Inter Milan have won the tournament eight times apiece.
