Nigeria: FIFA U-17 kicks off today

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With the official handing over of the FIFA U-17 World Cup trophy to Nigeria's President Umaru Musa Yar' Adua earlier this week at the Aso Rock, Abuja, all is now set for the country to host and showcase her potentials to the world. The cup brought in from the FIFA official headquarters and handed over to the Nigerian president also signifies FIFA's confidence in Nigeria's hosting ability and has put to rest any doubt about any change of mind.

The president said, "l want to assure the entire world that Nigeria will do everything possible to have a hitch-free tournament. And the federal government will support all our organs and agencies to ensure that they perform their duties to make this tournament a memorable one throughout the world."

 

 

After a shaky beginning, the nation woke up to the challenge of FIFA's very high and uncompromising standards to put in place world class facilities and structures that is also aimed at not only standing the test of time but more importantly to be a major source of pride for the nation before the international sporting arena.

 

 

Starting from basic facilities like training pitches to high-tech medical facilities, the nation has successfully put in place all these on ground in the eight centres slated to host the tournament. To avoid last minute disappointment, Vice President, Goodluck Jonathan and eggheads of the Local Organising Committee took time to tour the various venues. In Kano for instance, where there have been widespread worries over slow pace of readiness, the centre bounced back to the admiration of the vice president early this week where he flew in to inspect readiness and expressing appreciation.

 

 

Visits to various centres also confirmed readiness of the nation for the event scheduled to begin this weekend. The Abuja sub-seat which will host the opening and closing ceremonies of the tournament is in top form from the training pitches whose current state of readiness is like a botanic miracle.