FIFA U-17 World Cup: Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets draw hosts Chile, USA

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The Nigeria U-17 team, the Golden Eaglets, have been handed a seemingly ‘kind draw’ at the FIFA U17 World Cup having been pitched in Group A alongside hosts, Chile, Croatia and the United States.

Nigeria is the defending champions and the most successful team at the cadet World Cup with four titles under their belt.

They will start their campaign against the Americans before going on to face the hosts and then Croatia.

Aside Nigeria, three other countries are representing Africa at the 2015 edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup taking place from October 17 to November 28, 015..

In Group B,  which also houses one of Africa’s flag bearers, Guinea, the country is pitched with the trio of England, Brazil and Korea Republic.

For Mali, they are in Group D where they will battle Belgium, Honduras and Ecuador.

For debutants, South Africa, they are in Group E with Costa Rica, Korea DPR and Russia.

For many,  the toughest group, usually named “Group of Death” – is Group C which contains European and South American powerhouses Germany and Argentina, as well as Australia and Mexico.

Some of the dignitaries at the late Thursday’s draw include legendary striker Ivan Zamorano, who was followed onto the stage by the Chilean national women’s team player Christiane Endler, Jean Beausejour, the gymnast Tomas Gonzalez, Marcelo Salas, inline speed skater Maria Jose Moya, Elias Figueroa and Pizarro.

The Groups

Group A (Santiago, Vina del Mar, Coquimbo): Chile, Croatia, Nigeria, USA

Group B (La Serena, Coquimbo, Vina del Mar): England, Guinea, Brazil, Korea Republic

Group C (Chillan, Talca): Australia, Germany, Mexico, Argentina

Group D (Talca, Chillan): Belgium, Mali, Honduras, Ecuador

Group E (Concepcion, Puerto Montt): South Africa, Costa Rica, Korea DPR, Russia

Group F (Puerto Montt, Concepcion): New Zealand, France, Syria, Paraguay