FIFA.com - FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009 - News

Which graduate will go furthest?

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:36:00 GMT

This year's FIFA U-20 and U-17 World Cups were packed with exceptional youngsters. But which of their graduates will make the biggest impact?

Swiss take their place in history

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:56:00 GMT

Switzerland made the biggest possible impact on their FIFA U-17 World Cup debut at Nigeria 2009, winning the country’s first-ever global crown.

Swiss trio in seventh heaven

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:39:00 GMT

Straight after the final whistle, FIFA.com caught up with goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist, playmaker Nassim Ben Khalifa and goal hero Haris Seferovic.

Awards galore in Abuja

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:30:00 GMT

Despite defeat in the final, Nigeria's Sani Emmanuel won the adidas Golden Ball for best player. FIFA.com has the lowdown on all the awards.

No silver lining for Nigeria

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:20:00 GMT

While the Swiss celebrated their historic triumph in Abuja, the hosts were left in wounded, rueful dismay amid the echos of the National Stadium.

Swiss joy triggers Eaglet tears

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:56:00 GMT

Switzerland shook off their tag as underdogs to deny reigning champions and tournament hosts Nigeria their fourth FIFA U-17 World Cup triumph.

Steely Swiss claim first crown

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:55:00 GMT

The Swiss debutants did the seemingly impossible on Sunday, keeping the free-scoring hosts off the board to claim their first-ever world title.

Spanish snatch podium place

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:54:00 GMT

Spain edged out brave Colombia 1-0 in the third-place match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009, an Isco goal making all the difference.

Blatter: Nigeria was right choice

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:10:00 GMT

On the eve of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009 final, FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter held a press conference at the Congress Centre in Abuja.

Two coaches, five questions

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:29:00 GMT

FIFA.com sat down for an exclusive dual interview with Swiss coach Dany Ryser and Nigeria's John Obuh on the eve of Sunday's U-17 final in Abuja.

Seferovic: We want the trophy!

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:18:00 GMT

Swiss striking sensation Haris Seferovic spoke to FIFA.com ahead of Sunday's big final against defending U-17 champions and hosts Nigeria.

Podium berth up for grabs

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:10:00 GMT

After defeats in their respective Nigeria 2009 semi-finals, Colombia and Spain must raise themselves ahead of their match for third place in Abuja.

Nigeria's little big man

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:24:00 GMT

Tiny Dami Paul had himself a brilliant outing in the semi win over Spain, and the spring-heeled keeper hopes to keep up the form on Sunday.

Finalists vying for history

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:57:00 GMT

Whoever prevails when Switzerland face Nigeria in Sunday's grand final, the winners are destined for a proud place in the history books.

Young marksmen eye prize

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:23:00 GMT

The race for the adidas Golden Shoe is still wide open with one day of matches to go. FIFA.com runs the rule over this tight striking race.

High hopes for Spain's Isco

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:32:00 GMT

In an exclusive interview with FIFA.com, Spanish winger Isco talks about his team's performance in Nigeria and his ambitions for the future.

Who will take the U-17 crown?

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:16:00 GMT

The grand final of Nigeria 2009 is nearly upon us. Can Switzerland halt the charge of the host nation and defending champions? Have your say!

Colombia down but not out

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:05:00 GMT

Despite a heavy defeat to Switzerland, Colombia are still aiming to make history by beating Spain to earn their first U-17 top-three finish.

Hosts await steely newcomers

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:37:00 GMT

Switzerland belied their status as new boys to reach the final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, where they will meet the formidable Nigerian hosts.

Stylish Nigeria stroll past Spain

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:56:00 GMT

Nigeria took a step closer to their fourth U-17 world title with a stunning 3-1 win over Spain in Lagos to book a final date with the Swiss.

Swiss steamroll into first final

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:54:00 GMT

Switzerland have reached their first FIFA U-17 World Cup final after smashing ten-man Colombia 4-0 in their Nigeria 2009 semi-final in Lagos.

Blatter’s badge of approval for Nigeria

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:12:00 GMT

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter has offered his congratulations to representatives from the Nigerian FA and the Nigeria 2009 organising committee.

Cafeteros' supersub solution

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:24:00 GMT

FIFA.com met with up with the players on Colombia's bench after substitutes hit late equalisers against both Argentina and Turkey.

All-action Ajagun in the mood

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:43:00 GMT

Abdul Ajagun has been a livewire for the hosts in Nigeria and is keen to keep up the form all the way through to the final, as FIFA.com found out.

La Celeste come of age

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:27:00 GMT

Uruguay have finally been eliminated from Nigeria 2009, though Roland Marcenaro's young charges will go home with their heads held high.

An old Eagle takes stock

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:23:00 GMT

FIFA.com enjoyed a chat with iconic 89-year-old Ekeng Henshaw, Nigeria's first captain, as Calabar staged its last encounter at this year's U-17 finals.

Muniain seeks fame with Spain

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:11:00 GMT

Iker Muniain recently became the all-time youngest scorer in Spain's La Liga and FIFA.com spoke with the up-and-coming striker on Nigerian soil.

Lagos prepares for battle of wills

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:42:00 GMT

The Nigeria 2009 last-four meeting between Switzerland and Colombia has all the makings of a fierce contest between two strong-willed teams.

The secrets of Siegrist's success

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:29:00 GMT

Benjamin Siegrist is one of the main reasons why the Swiss have stormed into the last-four, and FIFA.com sat for a chat with the goalkeeper.

Favourites brace for Lagos endgame

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:02:00 GMT

Spain and Nigeria meet in the semi-final on Thursday with the men in red keen to avenge their shootout defeat in the Korea 2007 grand final.

Nigerian football's latest asset

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:29:00 GMT

As the these historic FIFA U-17 world finals grind to a halt in Nigeria, a new chapter is set to begin in the west African nation's football.

Italy's bittersweet goodbye

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:49:00 GMT

Despite a last-eight elimination at the hands of fellow Europeans Switzerland, Italy can take heart from their performances at Nigeria 2009.

Invincible duo march on

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:39:00 GMT

Spain and Nigeria set up a tantalising last-four clash after winning their quarter-finals and extending their unbeaten runs in the competition.

One step closer for Golden hosts

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:52:00 GMT

Nigeria took one step closer to defending their U-17 crown with a 3-1 win over Korea Republic in Calabar, setting up a date in the semis with Spain.

Spain sneak into semis

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:53:00 GMT

After ten man Uruguay battled back from a 3-1 deficit, Spain needed a penalty shoot-out to finally book their place in Nigeria 2009's semi-finals.

Winners show nerves of steel

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:58:00 GMT

Colombia and Switzerland battled through to the semi-final stage of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria after two scintillating last-eight clashes.

Colombian late show continues

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:54:00 GMT

Colombia have cemented their reputation as last-minute heroes, equalising late against the Turks and winning on penalties to move on to the semis.

Swiss storm into last-four

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:48:00 GMT

Switzerland booked a Nigeria 2009 semi-final date with Colombia after they slipped past the Italians 2-1 in their last-eight encounter here in Ijebu-Ode.

Okoro: Best is yet to come

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:57:00 GMT

FIFA.com was on hand for the Nigerian Golden Eaglets' training session in Calabar, where local fans came out in their numbers to offer support.

Kim carrying Korean hopes

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:35:00 GMT

Korea Republic skipper Jin Su Kim has covered every blade of grass in his team's matches so far and hopes to do likewise until the grand final.

An Atletico reunion in Kaduna

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:47:00 GMT

Friendship will be tested when Uruguay's Sebastian Gallegos and Spain pair Borja and Koke, best of pals with Atletico Madrid's reserves, lock horns.

Uruguay out to stop Spanish charge

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:02:00 GMT

Spain, runners-up at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea 2007, face a stern quarter-final challenge in their bid to go one better at Nigeria 2009.

Eaglets expect in Korea test

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:26:00 GMT

Nigeria will be firm favourites in their quarter-final clash against the talented Koreas in Calabar, but they are unlikely to have things all their own way.

Beretta explodes onto the scene

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:19:00 GMT

Giacomo Beretta is finally on the scoresheet at Nigeria 2009, making Italy an altogether more dangerous prospect. FIFA.com finds out why.

Familiar foes meet in Ijebu-Ode

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:05:00 GMT

Opponents in the UEFA U-17 Championship, Switzerland and Italy will meet again this Sunday, this time for a semi-final place at Nigeria 2009.

Ercan's dream coming true

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:37:00 GMT

Turkey as world champions? If his U-17 charges do manage to go all the way, coach Abdullah Ercan will be able to call himself a true visionary.

Different tactics, same goal

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:28:00 GMT

Colombia and Turkey, two teams with nerves of steel, meet in Bauchi on Sunday with a place in the semi-finals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup on the line.

Mixed emotions as Kiwis exit

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:19:00 GMT

After a tournament of mixed emotions here on Nigerian soil, the New Zealand captain Gordon Murie shared his thoughts with FIFA.com.

The world in their hands

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:10:00 GMT

FIFA.com caught up with 11-year-olds Leonard and Hannatu, two youngsters who carry the giant team flags on the pitch at Nigeria 2009.

Kano, a football hotbed

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:29:00 GMT

The populous capital of northern Nigeria has bid a fond farewell to the FIFA U-17 World Cup after two weeks of fun and high emotion.

Late heartbreak for Albiceleste

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:15:00 GMT

Argentina's dramatic round-of-16 elimination to rivals Colombia left coach Jose Luis Brown in rueful mood, but determined to bounce back.