Germany, Spain, and France are among the favourites to lift the UEFA Euro 2020 but a Nigerian star is tipping his country of birth to claim their first-ever title
Belgium have never won the European Championships but Nigerian international Cyriel Dessers is tipping the Red Devils to rewrite history this summer.
Born in Belgium to a Nigerian mother and a Belgian father, Dessers could have been in the Red Devils squad looking to lift a first-ever continental title at Euro 2020. But the former Heracles hero chose to represent three-time African champions Nigeria and made his Super Eagles debut last year.
Belgium will not miss him much, though, as the Roberto Martinez-led side is blessed with several world-class talents, including Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne, Real Madrid’s Eden Hazard, and Inter Milan forward Romelu Lukaku.
Despite heading into this year’s finals as the number one team on the FIFA world ranking, the Red Devils will not find an easy route to the trophy though.
Stiff challenges will come from three-time European winners Germany and Spain, defending champions Portugal, and world champions France.
Still, Dessers is hoping his country of birth can make it to the final at Wembley on July 11 and even win the prestigious trophy.
“Everyone is talking about the last chance for this golden generation,” the Genk star told Radio1.
“I do think that the Red Devils will go far thanks to their experience and talent, but of course I hope that they make it to the final and win”, says Dessers.
Belgium begin their Euro 2020 journey with a clash against Russia on Saturday, before facing Denmark and Finland for a qualification ticket in Group B.
Italy handed 3-0 trashing to Turkey on Friday in the opening match of the tournament.