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