FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria Plans Colourful Ceremony

Description:

Nigeria has promised a colourful and befitting Draw Ceremony of the FIFA U-17 World Cup tagged "Nigeria 2009". The event would take place under a colourful atmosphere as organizers are planning to see that the event live up to a true spectacle. Already the auditorium of the International Conference Centre, Abuja venue of the Friday event is experiencing touches. The draw will be attended by world football's heavyweights.

Chieftains of the Local Organizing Committee for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009 assured yesterday that everything is ready to ensure that all goes according to plan and in conformity with standards expected by world football -governing body, FIFA.

The staging of the Draw Ceremony firmly confirms that all things being equal, Nigeria will host the cadet world championship from October 24 to November 15, and means that activities at the offices of the LOC at the national headquarters in Abuja and in the various sub -seats will pick up tremendously.

Hosts Nigeria qualifies automatically, with Gambia, Malawi, Burkina Faso and Algeria having qualified to represent Africa through the African Junior Championship held in Algeria earlier in the year.

Europe will be represented by Germany Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland and Turkey, while the Asian continent will have Iran, Japan, Korea Republic and United Arab Emirates flying its flag.

Mexico, Costa Rica, Honduras and the United States of America will represent Central and North America, with New Zealand flying Oceania's lone flag. Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay will be there for South America.

The United States of America is the only country to have qualified for every edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup since it started as an U-16 Championship in China 24 years ago. Nigeria won that event and had gone ahead to win again in 1993 and 2007, making her the current Cup holders.

All The 24 Finalists: Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, USA (CONCACAF); Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay (South America); New Zealand (Oceania); Algeria, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Malawi (Africa); Iran, Japan, UAE, Korea Republic (Asia); Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey (Europe); Nigeria (host nation).