Nigerian Eagles, Trophy, Free Sex And Confederations Cup

The million question now is: can the ego-tripping, spoiled Eagles handle an entire week of free sex (Sexual Week) offered by Nigerian prostitutes if they lift the trophy, come Sunday and hop on the plane after the sex carnival to Brazil where they are on the continent's ticket to play for the Confederation's Cup? AFP image here shows a jubilant spoiled brats congratulate teammate, the magnificent Emmanuel Emenike (R) after his freekick was deflected into the net by Momo Sissoko of Mali.

Bobby Williamson Fires Back At Stephen Keshi's Racial Remarks

Uganda's national soccer team coach Bobby Williamson has fired back at Stephen Keshi, coach of the Nigeria national soccer team over the coach's racial remarks that foreign coaches troop to Africa for the attractive pay that is involved and not really to train the players to attain their goals, and commitment to national duty, on the basis African coaches are equal to the task and could do better.

In what has been taken as racist comments, Keshi said "the white guys are coming to Africa just for the money. They are not doing anything that we cannot do. I am not racist, but that's just the way it is."

Uganda did not qualify for the South African finals due to begin on Saturday, January 19, 2013. Dismissing Keshi's racial slurs, Williamson, originally from Scotland and firing back at Keshi said:

 “I never came here for the money. I came here for the job, for a new experience and a new working place. I’ve never regretted it. When I first came here, the money I was being paid was just enough to pay the mortgage. It has improved because I have been relatively successful; at the regional African Cecafa tournaments and I’ve also get close to qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations. We are all professionals, if he [Keshi] could get a better job in Europe and earn better money, then I’m sure he would be off like a shot. It’s just like most African players who are playing in Britain: they’re not just there for the love of football, they are there to make money.”

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 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

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