Poor show as FIFA U-17 World Cup kicks off

By Onochie Anibeze
Nigeria became a poor advertisement for World Cup of any standard when the 13th edition of the FIFA Under 17 World Cup kicked off in Abuja and Lagos yesterday.

Lagos, once the home of football in the country, however gave a better picture than Abuja. Argentina and Honduras kicked off their game in an almost empty stadium.

“This is a shame,” lamented one FIFA official who said he thought Nigeria would do better.

There was poor media hype for the championship following the equally poor operations of the Local Organising Committee. There were no banners, jingles or other forms of campaign that could create awareness and sensitise the people on a global fiesta in Abuja and most cities hosting the matches.

The festive atmosphere that usually characterizes World Cup events was absolutely lacking and when the rains started, the state of the Abuja turf was exposed. The pitch was waterlogged and movements and bouncing of the ball were impaired. This and the empty stands were a bad show for Nigeria.

“We had many shortcomings but I thought that a spectacular show in the first match will cover up these problems and there will be something good for us to report,” said a journalist who has been expressing sympathy for the organizers.

FIFA Vice President, Jack Warner said on Friday that Nigeria had challenges but hoped that the LOC would be able to overcome them.

There had been problems with accommodation, transportation, communication and most importantly funding. The original N9 billion approved for the organization of the championship was exhausted before the championship started.

The event eventually kicked off yesterday with training pitches most venues yet to be ready.
But Jack Warner said that Nigeria would overcome their problems.

Argentina beat Honduras 1-0 in Abuja and Switzerland beat Mexico 2-0.