NIGERIA: NFF To Name Under-17 Tournament After Yekini

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, on Saturday said the NFF would name the Under-17 tournament after the late Super Eagles’ striker, Rasheed Yekini. Speaking during Yekini’s fidau prayer at Ira, Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Maigari who later left for an official engagement at Abuja and was subsequently represented by NFF First Vice President, Chief Mike Umeh, also donated N500,000 to the immediate family of the deceased.
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Legendary Nigerian Footballer Rashidi Yekini Dead

Series of media reports have noted that Rashidi Yekini known to have scored the first goal for Nigeria in World Cup is dead. He was 49. According to Wikipedia, Yekini was born in Kaduna. After starting his professional career in the Nigerian league, he moved to Côte d'Ivoire to play for Africa Sports National. From there he went to Portugal and Vitória de Setúbal, where he experienced his most memorable years, eventually becoming the Portuguese first division's top scorer, in 1993–94, as his performances (32 matches, 34 goals) earned him the title of African Footballer of the Year in 1993, the first ever from the nation.

In the 1994 summer, Yekini was bought by Olympiacos FC, but did not get along with teammates and left. His career never really got back on track, not even upon a return to Setúbal, which happened after another unassuming spell, in La Liga with Sporting de Gijón. He successively played with FC Zürich, Club Athlétique Bizertin and Al-Shabab Riyadh, before rejoining Africa Sports. In 2003, at 39, he returned to the Nigerian championship with Julius Berger FC.

In 2005, 41-year old Yekini made a short comeback, moving alongside former national teammate Mobi Oparaku to Gateway FC. Scoring 37 goals for Nigeria's national side in 58 appearances, Yekini is the national record goalscorer. He was part of the team that participated in the 1994 FIFA World Cup (where he scored Nigeria's first-ever goal in a World Cup, in a 3–0 win against Bulgaria) and the 1998 World Cup.

Additionally, Yekini also helped the Super Eagles win the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations, where he also topped the goal charts, and participated at Olympic level, in Seoul 1988.

He was reportedly sick for a while . One of Africa’s greatest footballers, he was said to have suffered a neurological illness which hinges on belief that is pathological and held, despite evidence to the contrary.. The two-time African footballer of the year was said to have been walking the streets of Ibadan barefooted, and suffered delusions. Yekini lived alone in his house, had a few tenants and rarely gets visitors. Since his marriage crashed in 1994, he hasn't remarried but has two children who visit him on holidays. Neighbours at his Oni and Sons Ring Road residence in Ibadan,Oyo State, Nigeria say he's been acting strange for some time now, always seen talking to himself. Sources say sometime late in 2010, Yekini, in the full glare of neighbours, brought out his belongings and allegedly set it on fire.

World Cup: Brazil's Victory

Jubilant team members hug Pele (10), who scored the winning goal for Brazilians in their World Cup victory over the Swedish soccer team. Date: June 29, 1958. Location: Stockholm, Sweden

World Cup: Sweden 1958

Brazilian soccer star Pele (right), waves his arms triumphantly after scoring his country's fifth goal in the World Cup Final against Sweden. The final score was 5-2 in Brazil's favor. Date: June 29, 1958. Location: Stockholm, Sweden

Hoha! (Pointblank): The Talkingheads on South Africa 2010

"I'm more of a realist. I don't think it will happen in 2010, but it will be something special if an African nation can win it because it's on the continent. I think if it was somewhere in west Africa, with the heat, then you could have said an African nation could win. But in South Africa it will be winter, so it will be more in the favour of the Europeans."

-------Steven Pienaar, South Africa/Everton midfielder predicting with certainty no African team will win the World Cup that begins next month when asked if he thought an African team could win the World Cup


"I think we can go far. Why not? First, it is imperative to go through the group stage. We need to concentrate on this target. We have three matches. First we need a win, and then a draw. This can send us through. Seriously, I think we will go through the group stage. Afterwards, I don't know how far we can progress."

-------Kafoumba Coulibay, OGC Nice/Ivory Coast midfielder when asked by Goal.com on how far he thought Ivory Coast will progress in the World Cup.



"The beautiful game in High Definition is truly a remarkable thing to see. Any football enthusiast will tell you the difference between standard definition and HD is night and day. World Cup 2006 was the first to be shown in HD, but it was rare. It was far less common for someone to own an HD television than it is now as they were more expensive and people had yet to see a need. HD programming was not yet easily available to everyone, let alone on ESPN. It was more common on the networks, which is why World Cup 2006 games being seen in HD were mostly on ABC . HD was still in the beginning stages just four years ago."

-------Jake Islas, European Premier League (EPL) Talk podcaster on one of his five reasons why South Africa 2010 World Cup will be the best tournament.


Ever since we first bid for the World Cup, this is a road we have travelled. There have been doomsayers, but we have so far proved those people wrong and we will prove them wrong again.
From the moment Nelson Mandela walked out of prison, this country was written off. But we have struggled hard. You cannot determine your lives by having people say, 'You cannot do this'. Because if we were to have taken that position, I would still be living under apartheid. There is only mild hyperbole in this invoking of history. The World Cup is a massive chapter in the development of the democratic South Africa, an event of infinitely greater significance to its hosts than to Germany in 2006 or to France in 1998. And it will continue to have its doomsayers, but you can only hope that in 49 days they are wrong."

-------Danny Jordaan, Chief Executive of South Africa 2010 on the critics and his organizing committee about the World Cup.

Photo-Up: World Cup Update

Didier Drogba (Chelsea/Ivory Coast) and Christiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid/Portugal) covers the June issue of Vanity Fair Magazine.


Sulley Muntari (Inter Milan/Ghana) and Samuel Eto'O (Inter Milan/Cameroon) pose for Annie Leibovitz of Vanity Fair Magazine in June 2010 issue.


I'm not sure why as a die harder and one who has in-depth passion for the sport from childhood not to have made any commentary on the world's most watched sport, all along. But like the saying goes, "nothing spoil," and I will be definitely popping up with some detailed analysis. So stay tuned!

FIFA U-17: Nigeria 2009 Update, Thursday, Nov., 12

Spain U-17 1-3 Nigeria U-17: Golden Eaglets Stay On Track For Fourth FIFA Under-17 World Cup Title

Nigeria defeated Spain 3-1 before a sell-out crowd at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos on Thursday night to qualify for the final of this year's FIFA Under-17 World Cup. The Golden Eaglets will on Sunday face debutants Switzerland, who trounced Colombia in the earlier semi-final. Spain were aiming to avenge their championship loss to the Africans two years ago in Seoul, but came up short, and will now have to settle for a third-placed match with Colombia on Sunday. Stanley Okoro opened scoring in the 30th minute when the lively Heartland forward darted through the Spanish defence before stroking home from seven yards. MORE

Switzerland books final ticket in FIFA U-17 World Cup

APA - Lagos (Nigeria) Switzerland on Thursday defeated Colombia 4-0 to book a place in the final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup tournament in Nigeria. With two goals in each half of the match in Lagos, Switzerland proved that its performance in the tournament was not a fluke as it is billed to meet the winner in the match between Nigeria and Spain in the final in Abuja on Sunday. The 13th edition of the championship has been a memorable experience for the Swiss, who are now in the final on their first appearance in the competition. The Colombians simply did not have a clue to the Swiss, who overran them in all departments of the game in the first semi-final match at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos. In a post match briefing, Colombia’s coach Ramiro Viafara admitted Switzerland’s superiority over his side. MORE

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

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

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

FIFA U-17 World Cup Update, Thursday, October 29, 2009

VITAL VICTORY
U.S. stops Malawi, 1-0, at U-17 World Cup

KANO, Nigeria -- The U.S. evened its record at 1-1 as it registered a 1-0 Group E win over Malawi at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup Thursday. Alex Shinsky volleyed in the rebound of a Michael Duran shot in the 54th minute for the Americans' lone goal. Malawi fell to 0-2.

READ FULL STORY

Nigeria Under-17 Coach John Obuh Sticks With Misfiring Stanley Okoro

Okoro, nicknamed 'Little Messi', is widely regarded as the star of the host team but he has so far only scored a penalty as Nigeria aim to qualify for the knockout stage of the tournament.

READ FULL STORY

Poor Scoring Form Worries Eaglets’ Coach

The Golden Eaglets Coach, John Obuh has expressed worries over the inabilities of his players to convert chances to goals in the two games played in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup so far. Obuh said shortly after the team managed a 1-0 victory over Hondura Tuesday night that he was however satisfied with the three points secured at the end of the match he described as very difficult for Nigeria.

READ FULL STORY

FIFA Under-17 World Cup: Italy & Turkey Advance To Round Of 16

Turkey trounced Costa Rica 4-1 in a replayed Group D match of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu. Meanwhile, Italy stopped South Korea 2-1 in Kaduna to qualify for the knockout stage of the competition.

READ FULL STORY

FIFA U-17 World Cup: Turkey Players Charm Enugu Fans

Showing their resolve to get all the support they could muster from the fans, the Turkish players, before any match, come out for the customary warm exercise holding a Nigerian flag alongside theirs. And this singular behaviour has endeared them to the hearts of fans at the centre who in return have promised to support as long as they remain in Enugu.

READ FULL STORY

Last Chance For Baby Scorpions

Gambia, with zero points from their first two Group C matches here at Nigeria 2009, can afford nothing less than out-and-out victory in their final section match on 31 October in Calabar. Unfortunately for the struggling African champions they will be meeting up with no less than Colombia - the stylish and technical joint leaders of the Group - in their final test at the U.J. Esuene Stadium.

READ FULL STORY

Police & Ticketless Fans Battle In Kaduna At FIFA Under-17 World Cup

A Group F match at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup between Algeria and Uruguay was nearly marred by tear gas following a clash between police and fans, who were barred from getting into the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna because they did not have tickets for the match.

READ FULL STORY

Iran tops Group C in U-17 World Cup

Iran remains top of Group C following a goalless draw against Colombia at the FIFA U-17 World Cup held in Nigeria. "We knew that Colombia are a good team. They take advantage of their technical experience and high speed," said Iran's coach, Ali Dousti, after the Wednesday night game. The Group C match was suspended for over an hour in the 55th minute due to torrential rainfall and a flooded pitch.

READ FULL STORY

FIFA U-17 Update Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009

Show of shame in Enugu

Who owns Greenfields? Is it true that a top non-African member of FIFA is strongly connected to the company which was awarded the contract to lay the artificial turf at the Enugu Stadium? READ FULL STORY


Costa Rica at home In Enugu

The Costa Rican U-17 team that is participating in ongoing FIFA World Championship at the Enugu centre is fully at home in the coal city as stated by the leader of the delegation of the Central American country, Victor Alfaro Gonzalez. READ FULL STORY

Gambia Lose, Burkina Draw at U-17

African champions Gambia suffered their second defeat at the U-17 World Cup after going down 2-1 to the Netherlands on Wednesday in Nigeria. READ FULL STORY


SECOND CHANCE
U.S. vs. Malawi in U-17 World Cup

The U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team will try to make up lost ground in the FIFA U-17 World Cup as it takes on Malawi on Thursday at 4 p.m. local time (11 a.m. ET) in Kano, Nigeria (ESPNU). READ FULL STORY

World Cup to 'change world's view of Africa'

PARIS (AFP) — Danny Jordaan, head of the South African 2010 World Cup organising committee, said on Friday he wanted to transform people's world view of Africa through the staging of a successful tournament.

Visiting Paris, Jordaan said the event would be an opportunity "to change people's perception of the African continent. We have to see Africa as a continent for investment in tourism and trade".

He added that the tournament, the first Africa will have staged, was a chance to put the whole continent in general on the map and "celebrate the best" it had to offer. [READ MORE>>>]

WORLD CUP: Super Eagles Meets Bafana Bafana

Much has been talked about the elite squad of Bafana Bafana as South African national coach Joel Natalino Santana predicts the Nigerian squad are "beatable" when both teams meet on September 6 to slug it out in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The Rio de Janeiro, Brazil native needs to work harder to avoid a Bafana Bafana drop out from the Nations Cup in 2010 which would be held in Angola. South Africa is behind and if they should lose to Nigeria, their chances for a 2010 Nations Cup may slip away.

South Africa has not beaten Nigeria in any major tournament but Coach Santana is assuring South Africans that he can make it happen.

On the other hand, replacements has been made on the Nigerian squad by Coach Shuaibu Amodu due to injuries. Christian Obodo replaces John Mikel Obi while Joseph Akpala replaces Obafemi Martins.

The game would probably be quite close but I think Nigeria has a better chance and would take it at the games crucial stage.

The Line: Nigeria by 2