Golden Eaglets brace for Mexico, Sweden challenge

Date Posted: 27/08/2013 

Golden Eaglets coach, Manu Garba, has described the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup that has pitted Nigeria against Mexico; Iraq and Sweden as very interesting and exciting.

The Nigerian team will play in Group F with their centre in Al Ain at the Championship taking place from October 17 to November 7.

The Golden Eaglets will have the honour of playing the group’s opening game against the defending champions, Mexico – who are also the reigning CONCACAF champions – on October 19 .

Commenting on the draw, Garba said Nigeria’s work had been cut out for them, exuding confidence that the Golden Eaglets would scale the hurdle and progress from the group.

“I believe this is a fair draw for us and as you know, we have no choice than to prepare very well because this is an interesting and exciting group,” Garba said.

“You will pick Mexico as one of the best teams at this level having been champions at two recent editions of the tournaments but we (Nigeria) are also a power to be reckoned with at this level because we have won it on three previous occasions.

“We are not going to underrate any team starting from our first game against Mexico. Though Sweden and Iraq are coming to the tournament for the first time, we cannot dismiss them too because every team at any tournament comes with the prospect to emerge as champions.”

African champions, Ivory Coast, will play in Group B alongside Uruguay, New Zealand and Italy. Tunisia will play against Venezuela, Russia and Japan in Group D, while Morocco will battle Croatia, Panama and Uzbekistan in Group C.