Warner raises concern on Eaglets
Speaking at a FIFA World press conference immediately after the Official Draw ceremony for the competition tagged “Nigeria 2009’’, Warner urged the Nigerian football authorities to ensure that the Eaglets live up to expectations during the competition. “There’s no cause to worry again about the hosting right, what you should worry about in Nigeria is […]
Speaking at a FIFA World press conference immediately after the Official Draw ceremony for the competition tagged “Nigeria 2009’’, Warner urged the Nigerian football authorities to ensure that the Eaglets live up to expectations during the competition.
“There’s no cause to worry again about the hosting right, what you should worry about in Nigeria is what you will do between now and October, when the competition will commence.’’ he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian team was on Friday drawn in Group A alongside Germany, Honduras and Argentina in the competition scheduled for Oct. 24 to Nov. 15, 2009.
The FIFA official said it could be disastrous for the competition if the Nigerian team could not satisfy its fans.
“I know how it is with the kind of experience I have had at this level, and it will affect the competition if Nigeria gets out so early, and that will not be good for us,’’ he said.
On Warri stadium not chosen to host the competition’s matches, Warner said there was nothing the world football governing body could do on that again after many inspection visits.
“Warri is a place close to my heart with the way the people there and the state government did all they could to put things in place.
“But we had a problem with not only the pitch but the floodlights were not working properly and there is no longer time for another inspection,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, Alhaji Sani Lulu, Chairman of the competition’s Local Organizing Committee (LOC) has announced that the committee would now concentrate on the organization of the event.
“The outstanding works are quite minimal. They are the finishing touches to some of the things we have put in place at the venues, and can be done easily.
“But I can assure that all the facilities are ready, and we can now concentrate on the organisation of the event,’’ he said.