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