Africa

CAF Boss: Nigeria Under-17 Decision 'Embarrassing For Africa'

President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Issa Hayatou, has made a passionate appeal to the Nigerian government to reconsider its decision to abandon hosting the 2009 FIFA Under-17 Championship.

Oct 25, 2008 7:10:46 AM

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Ibrahim Dabo - Issa Hayatou (Goal.com)

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The Nigerian government formally communicated to FIFA this week that it can no longer afford to stage the biennial competition because of the economic downturn around the world.

Local organisers had put the cost of hosting at over $30 million US but the government said such money could be put to better use by providing more pressing needs to a population of over 140 million.

However, Hayatou said in a letter to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Sani Lulu, that CAF is embarrassed by the country’s position on hosting the Under-17 championship.

“The decision of Nigeria to withdraw from hosting this event next year is really embarrassing not only for CAF but for the whole African continent,” Hayatou’s letter read.

“We count on your wisdom to review this decision since Nigeria in its capacity as one of the power houses of the African continent is one of the countries which can make Africa proud whenever hosting world sporting events.”

FIFA will meet later to deliberate on Nigeria’s position as regards hosting the Under-17 competition.

Speculation is rife that Ghana, who hosted the Africa Cup of Nations in February, will now replace Nigeria as host for the tournament as most of their facilities are still very much in tact.