By John EGBOKHAN
Golden Eaglets’ first round opponents at the FIFA U-17 World Cup holding in UAE from October 17 to November 8 are wary of the three-time champions of the cadet tournament.

The Eaglets were paired alongside Mexico, Sweden and Iraq, at a colourful ceremony held Monday  at the Al-Saqr conference suite at Fairmont Bab El Bahr Hotel. Eaglets kickoff their campaign against defending champions Mexico on October 19 at the Al Ain Stadium, with further games against Iraq and Sweden

Speaking to FIFA.com after the draw ceremony, Mexican representative Sergio Almaguer, said that the Eaglets were a strong side, who deserve to be respected.

“Every side in the group is strong and they deserve our utmost respect. It’s hard to say which team is the toughest for us because they’ve all got a lot of quality. The event will be very well organised, the hospitality of the people will be wonderful and it looks that all the people are already into the tournament”.

On how the Mexicans will prepare for the tournament,  Almaguer said “it is a process of two years, playing against great teams all around the world. Our goal for this tournament is defending our championship, respecting all the opponents and going step by step.

I would consider a success that our team give their best in every match, if as a result of that we can become champions that will be a successs”.

Sweden coach, Roland Larsson said that the Eaglets will be hard to defeat.

“It’s a difficult group and we’re definitely not the favourites. Mexico and Nigeria are our main rivals. We believe both Mexico and Nigeria will be hard to defeat and the opening game against Iraq will be decisive”.

Speaking on their preparations, Larsson said “we will prepare the team with friendly games and a training camp in Turkey 2 – 9 September. In addition we will come to the UAE five days prior to the first match. The goal is to progress from the group. That would constitute as success”

For Iraq coach, Muwafaq Hussain, the aim is to take things one step at a time.

“It’s a tricky group with teams who have won things. We know a little bit about our opponents, who have all shown they deserve to be here”.