FIFA U-17: Nigeria 2009 Images II

South African sculptor Keith Calders' "Goalie" bronze -- one of eleven in his football range. Photo courtesy of Times Live


Iran defeats Netherlands 1-0 in one of the tournaments opener. Photo courtesy of Persian Football


Golden Eaglets i-training at the Esuene Staduium in Calabar to face Korea in the semi finals. Image courtesy of Vanguard


Uruguay's Sabastian Gallegos reacts after scoring his second goal against Iran in the FIFA U-17 World Cup (Nigeria 2009). Photo courtesy of Iran Press TV


Colombia's Jorge Ramos celebrates his header over Turkey's goalkeeper Mehmet to equalize in the semi-final encounter, beating Turkey on penalties. Photo courtesy of El Tiempo/Colombia Reports


US U-17 exit tournament after defeat. Photo by Eric Miller/Getty Images


Iranian striker celebrates after defeating former champions Gambia 2-0. Photo courtesy of ISNA/Teheran Times


The unveiling of U-17 World Cup Eaglets 1n-training with Coach John Obuh. Photo courtesy of 234 Next


Lagos opens its arms to welcome the world for the FIFA U-17 world Cup tournament to be held in several Nigerian cities. Photo courtsey of Vanguard

FIFA U-17: Nigeria 2009 Update, Monday, Nov., 09

Korea U-17 1-3 Nigeria U-17: Eaglets Set Up Rematch Against Spain In World Cup Semis

Nigeria defeated Korea 3-1 at a jammed Jerry Esuene Stadium in Calabar on Monday night to set up a rematch with Spain, who they beat two years ago to win the FIFA Under-17 World Cup. The Eaglets will face Spain in Thursday's semi-final at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos. READ MORE

Spain U-17 3-3 Uruguay U-17: Spain Advance To World Cup Semi-Finals On Penalties



Spain beat Uruguay 4-2 on penalties after scores were tied at 3-3 after extra-time, securing progress to the semi-finals of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Nigeria. Uruguay's Jose Laureiro blasted his penalty wide of target, while team-mate Gabriel Mezquida saw his kick saved by Spain goalkeeper Edgar, nullifying Pablo Sarabia's miss for the Europeans. A ding-dong battle saw Spain go 3-1 up, though their opponents fought bravely back late on. READ MORE

Language, Smiles Endear Nigerians to Swiss Players

Though Switzerland is officially a French and German speaking country, the strong bond between the Swiss U-17 side and Nigerian fans has been partly narrowed down to the ability of the former to communicate in English, the official lingua franca of Nigeria. Aside the Golden Eaglets for obvious reason, Switzerland has been one of the few sides that have been able to attract local support on consistent basis at Nigeria 2009.Coach Dany Ryser's side has ridden the crest wave on the strength of the support of Nigerian fans by reaching the semi final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in only their first appearance in the tournament. READ MORE

Nigeria send Korea home *To meet Spain in semis

Hosts Nigeria moved a step closer to their second-straight FIFA U-17 World Cup title, beating Korea Republic 3-1 in their quarter-final to set up a mouth-watering last-four contest with European powers Spain. The last match of these finals from the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar was played amid a party atmosphere as the home side put on a show of edging the talented Asians. The Nigerians came out flying from the start, roared on by a lively packed house of adoring local fans. Abdul Ajagun had them out of their seats after only two minutes, too, but his shot from a tough angle could only shave the outside of the back post. READ MORE

FIFA Update

THE DAY REPLAYED - Monday's two quarter-final showdowns at Nigeria 2009 had a little bit of everything: goals, suspense, twists and turns and tears, lots of tears. In keeping with a knockout phase that has served up some spectacular entertainment for the fans flocking to the country's stadiums, Spain and Nigeria prevailed in two gripping encounters that confirmed their pre-eminence in the category and teed up an intriguing semi-final on Thursday. Remarkably, the two sides are both unbeaten in their last 12 games in the competition, a run that stretches back to Finland 2003 and includes the final at Korea 2007, which the Africans won on penalties. Spain and Nigeria now have the opportunity to go for the title again after respectively edging out Uruguay and Korea Republic in a pair of absorbing quarter-finals. READ MORE

Daniel Lists Gains of Hosting World Cup Matches

Ogun State would build on the many gains of its hosting of some of the matches of the Under 17 World Cup to consolidate the use of sports as an instrument of socio- economic development. Governor Gbenga Daniel stated this at the Gateway International Stadium Ijebu Ode on Sunday shortly after the quarter-final match between Italy and Switzerland. He said the State had used the opportunity of hosting the World Cup to improve its infrastructure which included new road network, rehabilitation of old ones, street light and upgrading of the facilities of the Stadium which apart from its state of the art facilities now has two astro turf training pitches. READ MORE

Naija Sunday Cartoons

SOURCE: Vanguard


SOURCE: Daily Sun


SOURCE: Port Harcourt Telegraph


SOURCE: Niger Delta Standard


SOURCE: Guardian


SOURCE: Daily Trust

FIFA U-17: Nigeria 2009 Update, Sunday, Nov., 08

TB Joshua's altar boy is Eaglets' Super-Sub

Unknown to most Nigerians, Shehu Sani Emmanuel, the player who has caught the attention of the sporting world with his splendid showing for the Golden Eaglets, even as a substitute, is an altar boy in the Synagogue Church of All Nations. A product of Pastor TB Joshua's My People FC, the Edo State-born striker who now plies his trade with Bodens BK of Sweden, was literally raised in the Synagogue. A proven goal-scorer, Emmanuel caught the attention of national team coaches in friendlies involving My People FC, the Egypt 2009 Flying Eagles and the Golden Eaglets. READ MORE

We have what it takes to beat Korea, says Obuh

Speaking in Abuja over the weekend, Obuh said “We are well prepared for it just like we did for the other games before now. Our boys are focused for the remaining matches in the competition. They appreciate the importance of those matches. They are in very high spirit and most important is the fact that we do not have any injury worries in the team. Having said that, I think we are prepared to do our best to give Nigerians something to cheer. At the same time we are appealing to Nigerians to pray for us.” READ MORE

I ’ll nail Korea – Edefa boasts
…As Nigeria meet Asians in quarterfinal showdown in Calabar

Golden Eaglets’ dreaded striker, Egbedi Edefa, has vowed to destroy the might of Republic of Korea when they meet today in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup quarterfinal duel in Calabar. The two-goal hero in the five-goal demolition of New Zealand last Thursday said he would help Nigeria nail the Koreans to forge ahead in the competition... READ MORE

Chukwu cautions Nigerians over extolling Eaglets

A former member of the Green Eagles, Christian Chukwu, has warned Nigerians to be economical in showering praises on the Golden Eaglets lest they lose focus. Speaking to NEXTSports over the weekend, the onetime Super Eagles coach said the Golden Eaglets should face their South Korean counterparts with the zeal of a team that is just starting out and has a point to prove: READ MORE

Eaglets promise Korea hell

Watch out for raw power, skill, pace and plenty of fireworks as Cup holders– Nigeria–take on Korea Republic in the last quarterfinal game of this year's FIFA U-17 World Cup in Calabar tonight. The encounter is bound to be an intriguing clash of styles and football cultures when the fast-moving, team-oriented Koreans tackle the purpose-driven and technically gifted Golden Eaglets of Nigeria. READ MORE

Golden Eaglets battle Korea for semi final ticket

Not completely strangers to themselves as they both featured in a four nation tournament prior to the commencement of the championship, Jin Su Kim, Korea Republic captain is confident that his team can stun Nigeria and earn a place in the semi finals “We played Nigeria and we beat them a few months ago in Dubai. So we know them and we understand their way of playing. But things have changed since then, and the context is completely different in a World Cup, and playing against the host country. We’ll enter the pitch with respect for our opponent, but confident in our strength and our chances to win,” he said. READ MORE

Okoro: Best is yet to come

Korea Republic's players looked a little bemused to see throngs of local fans lining the fence at their late-afternoon training session on Saturday. The lively Asians have made many friends with their dynamic play here in Nigeria, but the size of the crowd seemed somehow incongruous. As the team, going through a light stretch, eyed the hundreds-strong mob quizzically, a blaring siren was heard in the distance. The Nigerian team bus, led by a noisy police escort, pulled through the gates at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, and the crowd went into frenzy. There were no eyes at all left on the young Taeguk Warriors as the locals crowded the giant vehicle, blowing whistles and plastic horns, and shouting out to their favourite players as they stepped off one by one. READ MORE



Columbia Advance to Semi-Finals at U-17 World Cup

Colombia are through to the semi-finals of the Under-17 World Cup, beating Turkey on penalties after the two sides had drawn 1-1.Things didn't start well for Colombia as Muhammet Demir headed the Turks to a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute. But the Colombians gave it their all to fight their way back into the game while their opponents mostly focused on defense throughout the remainder of the match. READ MORE

Uruguay out to stop Spanish charge

Spain, runners-up at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea 2007, face a stern quarter-final challenge in the 2009 edition of the showpiece tournament. Gines Melendez's side have swept all before them in Nigeria thus far, but now meet Uruguay at the Ahmadu Bello stadium in Kaduna on Monday. The Europeans will aim to maintain their blistering attacking form in the clash with the obdurate South Americans. Ahead of the match-up with La Celeste, seasoned Spain boss Melendez is in characteristically confident mood, and with good reason. The Iberians boast the most potent forward line in the tournament with 13 goals so far, compared to Uruguay's modest total of five - level with the Italians as the least prolific of the teams still left in the finals. READ MORE

Kim carrying Korean hopes

Korea Republic still have their heads in the clouds following their victory over Mexico in the Nigeria 2009 Round of 16 on Thursday. The Taeguk Warriors have every reason to be elated too, having drawn level with almost the last kick of the game before sealing their progress on penalties. The following morning, and with the pressures of that game a thing of the past, FIFA.com caught up with Korean captain Jin Su Kim, who relived the encounter as he tucked into a bowl of cereal and a glass of orange juice. "At the final whistle, we felt euphoria more than anything else," explained the Shingal HS defender. READ MORE

Eaglets expect in Korea test

The Nigerians head south from their home-base of Abuja flying high on the crest of a wave of confidence. After drubbing the outgunned New Zealanders to the tune of 5-0 in their round-of-16 clash in the capital, there may well be a dangerous intoxication creeping into the Eaglets' camp. They, however, are not world-beaters yet and will face a far sterner test when the lively Koreans come calling. Stanley Okoro has been pulling the strings brilliantly in midfield and Sani Emmanuel has proven himself the purest supersub of these finals, scoring a pair against the Kiwis off the bench for John Obuh's talented outfit. READ MORE

Face of Africa Begins New Season

Benedicta Tweneboa-Kodua to represent Ghana. Photo courtesy of Show-Biz Peace FM Online

Last year, Gahanaian Kate Menson in her second attempt walked away the newest African face on the runway. The catwalk has now been rescheduled and the organizers are taking it to a whole new heights.

The director of this years events, Bola Alabi said “Over time, this initiative has shown that it is about so much more than just fashion and beauty.

There is a bigger picture there to see, something more than shoes, and cameras and clothing. It’s about young women with so much courage that they will leave their homes to find new experiences, so much determination that they will venture into the unknown to discover themselves, so much passion that they will chase their dreams.”

The show however will run for 17 weeks, so stay tuned!

FIFA U-17: Nigeria 2009 Update, Thursday, Nov., 05

Visiting Teams Praise Nigerian Hospitality at Under-17 World Cup

Not everything at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Nigeria has gone according to plan. However, visiting players and coaches unanimously agree that Nigerians have received them with open arms. The Nigerian accommodations and facilities are generally not of the level that FIFA executives, journalists and traveling international soccer teams from around the world expect. READ MORE

Nigeria Smash Five Past New Zealand To Qualify For Last Eight Of U-17 World Cup

Nigeria recorded the biggest win of the 2009 FIFA Under-17 World Cup with a 5-0 victory over New Zealand to book their place in the quarter-final of the tournament. Nigeria will now face Korea, who defeated Mexico 5-3 on penalties after the teams were deadlocked at 1-1 after extra-time. Spain are also through to the last eight after a 4-1 spanking of Burkina Faso, while Uruguay booked their place in the next round with a 2-1 victory over Iran. Spain and Uruguay will now clash in one of the quarter-finals. READ MORE

Enugu bids fond farewell

Visitors to Enugu taking in a match at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium during the FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009 quickly came to appreciate that the south-eastern city is a football hotbed. The stands were constantly awash with colour and noise regardless of the teams playing or the status of the match. Local fans in Enugu were treated to a broad view of the global football picture with five of FIFA's six confederations represented, in what was a metaphor for football's inclusiveness and reach. Group D contained Turkey, Costa Rica, New Zealand and nearby African nation Burkina Faso, with the final day of group action also featuring Iran against the Netherlands. Enugu's final match was a round-of-16 encounter with group winners Turkey meeting, and eventually defeating, Asian representatives United Arab Emirates. READ MORE


And then there were eight

THE DAY REPLAYED - The Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009 came to an exciting conclusion on Thursday with a brace of big wins, the first penalty shootout of the competition and a dramatic extra-time conclusion in one of the evening games. When the dust settled, Spain, Nigeria, Korea Republic and Uruguay had all advanced to join Colombia, Turkey, Switzerland and Italy in the last eight. Home favourites Nigeria made short work of New Zealand, racking up the second-biggest win the history of the competition to continue their impressive run. Spain kept pace with the Golden Eaglets when they brushed off the challenge of Burkina Faso thanks to a majestic Sergi Roberto hat-trick. READ MORE


FIFA Technical Study Group Rates Nigeria 2009 High

FIFA technical group has rated Nigeria high in the ongoing U-17 World Cup declaring that they will go far in the competition. Jean-Marie Conz, a member of FIFA Technical study group yesterday said Nigeria which did not start out impressively had gone ahead to draw with Germany despite being two zero down at half time but added that there were no weak teams in the tournament. "On the tournament, what we can say statistically, in terms of goals, we have 2.61 goals per game, which is a little less than the last tournament. This is because all the teams are better organized and it means the level of football has increased. READ MORE

FC Dallas' Bryan Leyva Starts For Mexico In U-17 World Cup Loss To Korea Republic

FRISCO, Texas (Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009) - FC Dallas midfielder Bryan Leyva started and played 86 minutes for the Mexican U-17 team in today's FIFA U-17 World Cup loss to Korea Republic at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi, Nigeria.
The El Tri were eliminated from the tournament after drawing Korea Republic 1-1 in regular time and falling 3-5 on penalties. Leyva is expected to return to Dallas next week. READ MORE

Naija Dailies Cartoons

Source: Niger-Delta Standard


Source: The Port Harcourt Telegraph


Source: Daily Independent


Source The Port Harcourt Telegraph


Source: Guardian


Source: Daily Sun

Source: The Port Harcourt Telegraph

FIFA U-17: Nigeria 2009 Update, Wed., Nov. 04

The United States was knocked out of the U-17 World Cup after getting beaten 2-1 by Italy on Wednesday.

During an afternoon when temperatures reached 93 degrees on the Ahmadu Bello Stadium pitch in Kaduna, Nigeria, the United States Men's National Team bowed out of the U-17 World Cup with a 2-1 loss to Italy.

Wilmer Cabrera's side had chances -- most notably Jack McInerney's penalty kick that was saved by Azzurrini goalkeeper Francesco Bardi -- but ultimately the Americans were the second-best side. They return to the States having done one match better than their U-20 counterparts, but will still be disappointed in the result. READ MORE


Colombia upset Argentina and Italy scraped past the USA in continuation of the World Cup in Nigeria...

Ten-man Argentina lost out to Colombia in an all-South American clash, while USA fell to Italy in the round of 16 matches at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Nigeria on Wednesday. At the Gateway International Stadium in Ijebu Ode, Argentina raced into a 2-0 lead after 56 minutes with goals from Leandro Gonzalez and Sergio Araujo, who netted his third goal of the competition. Argentina goalkeeper Damian Martinez pulled off several saves to keep out their fellow South Americans for an hour. READ MORE



Switzerland and Turkey march into the last eight of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009...
The encounter between the Swiss and the Germans was a match high on drama and entertainment as two players were sent off, a total of seven goals were scored by seven different players and the game had to be decided after extra-time with scores tied at 2-2 after normal time. Lagos favourites Switzerland, who posted a 100 per cent record in the first round, were again at home at the Teslim Balogun Stadium when Ricardo Rodriguez snatched the lead for them after 35 minutes.

Germany then equalised four minutes later through Mario Gotze before Haris Seferovic regained the Swiss lead in the 49th minute. The German never-say-die spirit was again in full bloom when Florian Trinks found the target in the 78th minute to take the game into extra-time. READ MORE


Host Nigeria Prepares for Elimination Match at Under-17 World Cup The Nigerian under-17 soccer team is ready to take the next step towards defending its Youth World Cup crown, as the knockout phase of the tournament kicks off. Games in the elimination round of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup begin Wednesday afternoon in Nigeria, with the hosts set to take the field Thursday night in Abuja. The 16 teams that remain in the tournament, after a tightly contested first round, all have ambitions of taking home the trophy. And, the round of 16 will go a long way toward sorting out the pretenders from the legitimate title contenders. READ MORE

No Age Cheats At FIFA Under-17 World Cup - Officials

FIFA vice-president Jack Warner has announced that organisers are yet to detect any player who is above the allowed age at this year's Under-17 World Cup in Nigeria.
An MRI scan was introduced at this year's competition to fish out age cheats, but Warner disclosed at a press briefing in Abuja that thus far no negative report has been turned in from the random testing conducted on teams at the tournament. READ MORE

Eaglets set to swoop on New Zealand

An emphatic victory is definitely what fans of the Golden Eaglets expect against a New Zealand team whose qualification for this stage of the FIFA U-17 World Cup is something of a surprise, and who will definitely be playing without pressure as they have nothing to lose having been given no chance of making it out of the first round. READ MORE

Soccer: Young All Whites aiming for Cup victory - coach

No one would dare suggest the Young All Whites will not mean business when they run on to the National Stadium for the last of the eight second-round matches at Fifa Under-17 World Cup in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, early tomorrow morning. The New Zealand TAB has New Zealand at $7 to beat Nigeria ($1.08) - the longest odds of the 16 surviving teams - but coach Steve Cain is not fazed by that. READ MORE

African Teams Find Mixed Results at Under-17 World Cup

Africa's representatives at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup have experienced varying levels of success in Nigeria. After a first round with highs and lows for the continent's teams, two of five remain for the knockout rounds. The final first round matches at the Under-17 World Cup came to a conclusion Sunday, and the pairings for the knockout rounds were finalized. Disappointingly for the African hosts, the final group of 16 teams that will battle it out for the youth championship this year lacks the normally large number of African teams. READ MORE

…Spanish coach warns Burkina Faso to prepare for the worst in round of 16

Moments after dispatching Malawi 4–1 in their last group match, Spain Coach, Gines Melendez, declared that his team were ready for yet another African challenge as they face Burkina Faso in their round of 16 fixture billed for the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano on Thursday. "Burkina Faso are no doubt a good side, but we are ready for them. We shall give them a good fight like we did in all our previous matches," he said at the post match meeting with the aid of an interpreter. READ MORE

Iran rearguard face Celeste test

The group stages are a thing of the past now at Nigeria 2009, meaning each game is a do-or-die affair from here on out. It will be a case of win or go home in Calabar when Uruguay make their first visit to the venue. The Iranians have yet to concede a goal in their three group matches, setting themselves up as one of the defensive bastions of these U-17 finals. The rearguard is led ably by the Zob-Ahan-based trio of captain Ali Goudarzi, Iman Shirazi and Bahman Maleki. In attack the young Team Melli have been slightly less assured, but they did manage three goals in Group C thanks in large part to the attacking play of striker Payam Sedeghian and creative sparkplug Afshin Esmaeil. READ MORE

KANO state government has spent over N1billion to ensure a successful hosting of the on-going U-17 World Cup soccer competition, Governor Ibrahim Shekarau has said. The governor who dropped the hint yesterday while fielding questions from sports writers in his office, revealed that the state government began preparations to ensure Kano became one of the centres since the federal government accepted to host the event last year. According to him, the state government started to accommodate the preparations in 2008 and 2009 budgets. READ MORE

With Lagos City Champions, it’s football fun all the way

DRIVING along the ever-busy Bank Anthony Way, in Ikeja, one will not fail to notice the campaign banner stretched through the length of the road. One’s curiosity is immediately aroused by the campaign message: “Lagos Own the Game”. And the question that readily came to mind was how come Lagos is suddenly claiming ownership of the round leather game? When did the Centre of Excellence become the seat of ‘crazy’ football fans. READ MORE

With open arms, Lagos welcomes the world

For the Lagos State governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, every opportunity to market the state to the world as the ultimate destination for business and pleasure is vigorously explored. The on-going FIFA Under-17 World Cup is one of such glaring opportunity which the football-loving Senior Advocate of Nigeria didn’t allow to slip through his fingers, so says Mr. Israel Opayemi, the Country Executive Director of Wisdom Keys Nigeria. READ MORE

Nigerian Jungle Blues: Ghetto Life Images

Njemanze Waterfront, Port Harcourt


Njemanze Waterfront, Port Harcourt, captured by Candace Feit, New York Times


Kirikiri Road, Olodi-Apapa, Lagos by Onuchi, Panoramio, a Google Earth photo selection


Traffic stretching from the Cele Bus Stop to Mile 2 on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway. Photo by Diran Oshe, Vanguard


Police men, of the Mobile variety(MOPOL) at some check-points, according to the driver, demand more than N100 since they consider themselves special. Indeed the vehicle was flagged down at two of such checkpoints and the driver “settled” accordingly. By Fredrick Okopie, Vanguard


Nigeria's boxer in 1964 Olympic in Tokyo, Japan Siki Panter points to his Toyota Camry car burnt by the explosion in Lagos on July 24, 2008. A petrol tanker burst into flames at the Orile Iganmu district of Lagos, killing dozens of people in a public transport heading to their offices early this morning and leaving several others with severe burns, including vehicles, shops and houses. GETTY IMAGES


A Nairaland exclusive. The palmy man is getting high on his own supply. Na real wah!


I found this at Nairaland. That's the notorious death trap Lagos-Benin Express Road. According to the commentator at Nairaland: "Odikwa risky!"


Gov. Fashola hasn't checked out these slums yet in his bid to clean up Eko?


Ghetto blaster around Amukoko, Orile-Iganmu area captured by John Njoku, Vanguard

FIFA U-17: Nigeria 2009 Images

After going a goal down early against Argentina in their final Group A game in Bauchi, hosts and holders Nigeria stormed back to win 2-1 and book their place in the knockout stages as section winners. Argentina, who went into the game already assured of qualification, will have to settle for second place. VANGUARD

Golden Eaglets

The Baby Scorpions U-17 National Team of Gambia courtesy of Africa News

Gambian mid-fielder Pateh Nyang (5) gets set for a shot at the Dutch goal area. Photo: NAN/234NEXT

Colombia Castillo scores against Netherlands in Calabar at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, Nigeria 2009. Photo: FIFA.COM

A stunning injury time goal by Jack Hobson-McVeigh earned New Zealand a historic place in the knockout stages of the FIFA U-17 World Cup beating Turkey in Calabar, Nigeria. Photo courtesy of 3NEWS

Sights from the FIFA U-17 compettion taking place in Abuja. Image courtesy of 234NEXT


Nigerian goal-keeper, Dami Paul, stopping a ball during Nigeria\Germany group match in the FIFA u-17 world cup in Abuja on Saturday (24/10/09). Photo courtesy of 234NEXT

Colombian striker and Iranian defender in Group C match courtesy of Iran Press TV

Eaglets celebrating their 1-0 victory over Honduras. Photo by Gbemiga Olanikan, Vanguard

Jack Warner, chairman of FIFA's organizing committee is not happy with the turn-out and attitude of fans at the Abuja National Stadium. Photo: REUTERS

Golden Eaglets, Omo Ojabu trying to outpace his Argentine marker in their last group match in Bauchi on Friday. Photo: NAN/234NEXT

The draw for the FIFA U17 World Cup held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja. L-R, Engr. Sani Ndanusa, Minister of Sports, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, VP recieving the U17 trophy from Mr. Jack Warner, FIFA, VP

FIFA: Nigeria 2009 Update, Sunday, Nov. 01

FIFA Under-17 World Cup Round Of 16 Pairings: Hosts Nigeria Battle New Zealand

The FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Nigeria has reached the round of 16 with the host country drawn to play debutants New Zealand and Spain up against Africa's other representatives, Burkina Faso, on Thursday. Top favourites and three-time winners Brazil have crashed out of the competition as have the Netherlands. READ STORY

Burkina Faso Hammers Costa Rica 4-1 To Go Through

Football - Burkina Faso became the second African country to reach the next state of the FIFA U-17 World Cup tournament after hosts Nigeria when it hammered Costa Rica 4-1 in their final Group D match at Enugu. The African side took the lead after 12 minutes through Zoungrana Zidane and took full advantage of the expulsion of Costa Rican defender A. Mora one minute later to demolish its opponents. READ STORY

FIFA U-17: Brazilian coach quits

“After 22 years in youth football, I think I’m done with it. I’ve made my decision concerning that. I’m not getting younger. Grey hairs have taken over my head. It’s time I call it quit”, he sounded after his futile attempts to dominate the group B fixtures in Lagos that had Switzerland, Japan and Mexico. READ STORY

Nigeria-U-17-Spectators: Some 416,399 fans watch FIFA U-17 World Cup matches so far

APA - Lagos (Nigeria) No fewer than 416,399 spectators have watched the 32 matches so far played at the ongoing FIFA Under-17 World Cup tournament in Nigeria, the world football governing body (FIFA) said. FIFA said in its Media Channel on Sunday that the spectators might surpass the 434,067 that watched the 12th edition of the tournament in Korea two years ago. READ STORY

Ugbade turns football teacher, promises to produce World Cup players

Before the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup kicked off last week, Saturday Vanguard Sports interviewed Nduka Ugbade, the first captain in the world to lift the U-17 (then it was called U-16) trophy when the Nigerian team beat Germany to become the first winners. He spoke on sundry issues including warning that Germany was not going to be easy for the Golden Eaglets (which turned out so), how some people stopped him from making football history, his new move to train grass-root coaches scientifically as well as produce World Cup players for the country. READ STORY


Athletes angry at dominance of football in Nigerian sports

Football may have won the hearts of many sports fans but some Nigerian professionals of other sports wish for its demise. They say the love Nigerians have for football is responsible for the decline of others sports. Nigeria's hosting of the FIFA U-17 World Cup has further heightened the loathing these athletes feel, as they see the huge resources expended towards the execution of the tournament as a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul. READ STORY

Nigerian Corner: Golden Eaglets Class Of 2009 Offer A Bigger Promise

Against most expectations, hosts and defending champions Nigeria have negotiated to the top of what was widely referred to as 'The Group of Death' at the on-going FIFA Under-17 World Cup. The team's performance is even more impressive when gleaned against a woeful outing by all the other African representatives at this tournament save for Burkina Faso. READ STORY


The shame of the 2009 U-17 World Cup

For Nigerians who expected that ten years on, we would have perfected the techniques of successfully hosting a FIFA tournament, have been sorely disappointed. As far as organisation of tournaments go, many believe Nigeria 2009 has been a fiasco, its only saving grace being the quality of football played by the youngsters from the 24 countries participating. READ STORY

Eaglets remain in Abuja for round of 16

The Eaglets are hoping that the Nigerian crowd would queue behind them after their superlative performance on Friday. After going a goal down early against Argentina in their final Group A game in Bauchi, hosts and titleholders, Nigeria stormed back to win 2–1 to book their place in the knockout stages as section winners. READ STORY

Nigerian supporters club decries fans’ use of vuvuzela

APA - Lagos (Nigeria) The chairman of the All Nigeria Supporters Club, Dr Rafiu Ladipo, has decried the incessant use of plastic trumpets (vuvuzela) by fans cheering teams at the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009. Ladipo told journalists on Sunday in Abuja that the use of trumpets during the championship was not approved by the club. "Fans use it at their own discretion,’’ Ladipo said of the noisy trumpets called Vuvuzela and popular among South African football fans. READ STORY

U.S. U-17's On To WC Knockouts

The U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team strode confidently into the second round of the 2009 FIFA Under-17 World Cup with a 1-0 victory against United Arab Emirates at Gateway International Stadium in their final match in Group E. Jack McInerney’s first-half strike proved the difference in the USA’s second consecutive shutout in the tournament. McInerney scored his second goal of the tournament off a rebound of a Nick Palodichuk shot in the 35th minute, slotting home inside the left post from six yards out with UAE goalkeeper Ahmed Shambih scrambling to recover. READ STORY

Swiss Coach Happy to Avoid Nigeria

The Switzerland Under-17 Chief Coach, Dany Ryser has said he is happy avoiding Nigeria and the only time he will want to meet the Golden Eaglets will be in the finals of the on-going FIFA U-17 World Cup, Nigeria 2009. While still in shock that his team topped Group B that had power houses like Brazil and Mexico, Ryser said at a post-match conference in Abuja at the weekend that he was happy with the performance of his boys especially defeating Brazil. The defeat was the first by any Swiss team. READ STORY

FIFA U-17 World Cup Update, Friday, October 30, 2009

U-17 World Cup: Scandal, Scandal everywhere

The FIFA U-17 World Cup tagged Nigeria 2009 has been plagued by scandals from inception when a bogus budget of N35 billion was presented to a shocked Federal Government which initially subsequently announced its withdrawal altogether. After pressure was mounted by eminent Nigerians and some sports administrators who told the government of the consequences of its action, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua balked but said the outrageous budget must be slashed. N9 billion was then approved. <<< READ FULL STORY

Nigeria Under-17 2-1Argentina Under-17: Hosts Win To Top World Cup Group A

Hosts and defending champions Nigeria finished the first round of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup as leaders of Group A. They secured the position by defeating Argentina 2-1 at the Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi on Friday. The Golden Eaglets fought back from an early Argentine strike to record a win that ensures that they stay put in Abuja for their round of 16 match on Thursday. <<< READ FULL STORY

Decision day for Brazilian starlets as group goes to the wire

The Selecao, who are the favourites to win the championship shot themselves on the foot on Tuesday when they allowed Mexico to run out with a 1-0 scoreline. The result threw the group open, with Brazil and Mexico tied on three points, a situation that placed the South Americans in a must win situation at the National Stadium in Abuja. <<< READ FULL STORY

Seleção feel the heat

Brazil's passage to the knockout phase of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009 will be on the line on Friday when they take on Switzerland in their final Group B game in Abuja. The Helvetians, who already stamped their ticket to the last 16 with two wins from two, will be keen to maintain their winning run and take the scalp of the three-time world champions. <<< READ FULL STORY

FIFA referees stuck on bad roads in Abuja

(Xinhua) -- FIFA's refereeing officials at the ongoing Under-17 World Cup tournament were on Thursday in Abuja stuck for two hours at a bad spot on the road leading to their training venue. The bus conveying the officials from a training session at the FIFA Goal project could not move because of the bad road, the News Agency of Nigeria reported. The road which is currently under construction became difficult for vehicles to pass because of a downpour. <<< READ FULL STORY

Fifa U-17 - We Still Cheat, Amiesimaka

Scandals, scandals and more scandals appear to be the hallmark of the on-going FIFA U-17 World Cup taking place in eight centers in Nigeria. First, it was the issue of lack of funds, a feat that saw some sub seat chairmen threaten to quit their positions before they were cajoled by the LOC chieftains. The chairmen were not issued with funds to work few days to the commencement of the tournament. <<< READ FULL STORY

Nigeria 2009 - Reduce Pressure on Eaglets, Howard Tells Nigerians

Coach Franklin Howard has said that the Eaglets would give their best in the on-going FIFA U-17 World Cup if Nigerians could put less pressure on the team. He noted that because football fans and Nigerians in general feel highly aggrieved over the poor outings by the senior national teams in recent international competitions, there seem to have been a corresponding transfer of such dissatisfaction to the U-17 in the current competition, leading to loss of confidence. Howard, a former junior team captain and defender for the defunct ACB FC of Lagos, has therefore urged Nigerians to put less pressure on the team in this competition so they could do better. <<< READ FULL STORY

Young Ticos targetman primed

Currently lying bottom of Group D and having endured a 4-1 football lesson from Turkey, things may look dire for Costa Rica on paper but in reality the Central Americans maintain high hopes of reaching the knockout stage. Costa Rica face Burkina Faso where the winner will progress to the Round of 16, provided New Zealand fail to overcome runaway leaders Turkey. Even if the Young All Whites triumph in adversity against Turkey, a third-place qualification berth still beckons. <<< READ FULL STORY