Organisers of the forthcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup in October have assured that the Golden Eaglets amongst others would be accorded royal treatment when they touched down in the United Arab Emirates in October, even as an official of the team have advised the public to disregard some spurious stories purportedly emanating from the team’s camp.
It is barely two months to the 15th edition of the global cadet competition and Chairman of the Higher Local Organising Committee (LOC) for FIFA U-17 World Cup 2013, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan has hinted that the oil-rich country is pulling all the stops for a hitch-free tournament.
Sheikh Nahyan who doubles as the country’s Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, was quoted as saying during a recent parley with FIFA delegates and the LOC: “We are a nation that is passionate about football and with the world’s best U-17 teams arriving here in two months, we are confident that this will be an unforgettable tournament for our fans, teams and the UAE as a proud host nation.”
The LOC and FIFA have in the meantime, kicked off a final round of inspections ahead of the Official Draw, which takes place on August 26. The final 24 qualified nations will be drawn into in six groups of four-with the top two teams in each group automatically qualifying for the round of 16. The four best third-placed teams from the group stages will also progress to the knock-out stages.
Meanwhile, Suleiman Abubakar, the coordinator of the Golden Eaglets, has affirmed that the team is well on course with its pre-World Cup preparations.
“It is not our style to respond to unnecessary insinuations bothering on the activities of the team because we remain focussed about our objectives,” explained Suleiman often called The General.” We want to implore our friends in the media to authenticate their stories before rushing to the press because we can see that some persons don’t have genuine motives.
” Football is a practical thing and it is either you are good or not at it,” explained the former midfielder of defunct Hoechst FC of Ota and erstwhile Team Manager of FC Abuja FC.” Frankly, any player who is not in the squad now is either not good enough or above the age limit.”
