Hosts Nigeria handed tough FIFA Under-17 World Cup draw

Printer Friendly

Share

Text Size

LAGOS, Aug 7, 2009 (AFP) - Hosts Nigeria will have a tough task defending their FIFA Under-17 World Cup crown after being drawn in a tough first round group that includes Germany, Argentina and Honduras.

Thethree-time world champions will open the tournament on October 24 against Germany at the Abuja National Stadium.

Twenty four years ago, Nigeria defeated Germany 2-0 to win the inaugural event in China.

The other 20 teams in the tournament are drawn into five groups of four teams each.

Three-time champions Brazil head Group B based in Lagos along with Japan, Mexico and Switzerland.

African champions Gambia are in Group C in Calabar along with Iran, Colombia and the Netherlands.

Burkina Faso will be based in Group D in Nugu with Turkey, Costa Rica and New Zealand.

Group E will be in the northern city of Kano where United Arab Emirates, Malawi, Spain and the USA will play.

Group F, in Kaduna, features Uruguay, Korea, Algeria and Italy.

The competition will end on November 15.