Nigeria’s Women U-17 team, the Flamingos have been drawn in Group C alongside Brazil, England and Korea DPR for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup holding from 30 September to 21 October in Jordan.
The draw for the group stage of the tournament took place during a major event at the Al-Hussein Cultural Centre in central Amman, in Jordan on Monday.
Group A comprises of hosts Jordan, Spain, Mexico and New Zealand, Group B is made up of Venezuela, Germany, African team, Cameroon and Canada. Group C which is adjudged the ‘group of death’ include: Nigeria, Brazil, England and Korea DPR. Group D which is the last group also involve USA, Paraguay, Ghana and Japan.
The celebration began with the Jordanian national anthem, followed by a video presentation about Jordan, describing the beauty of this Middle Eastern kingdom and its preparations to host this global youth football fiesta.
The presenters of the draw event, Alia Touqan and Mohammed Al Madfai, welcomed the attendees. His Highness Prince Ali bin Hussein then took to the stage to give a speech, stating that: “This is a dream come true. It has been a long and challenging journey to get here, and I would like to thank everyone who has supported this challenge. Most of all, I’d like to thank our girls. Some of them are here today. Others who joined us at the beginning of our journey have since retired. But if it wasn’t for all their dedication and determination, we wouldn’t be here for this draw today. This tournament will be a milestone for women’s football in the region and the world. And we hope you enjoy our hospitality, whilst in the country.”
Following this was FIFA Council Member Nsekera,who in her speech said: “The kingdom of Jordan will witness a magnificent event in the coming months, as FIFA’s flagship U-17 women’s football competition travels to the Middle East for the first time. This momentous event is sure to leave a positive legacy and have a sustainable impact for generations well into the future.“The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is part of FIFA’s commitment to promote, develop and invest in women’s football, so that the sport and those who play it can grow to reach their full potential in Jordan, across the Middle East, and beyond.”
The Groups:
Group A: Jordan, Spain, Mexico, New Zealand
Group B: Venezuela, Germany, Cameroon, Canada
Group C: Nigeria, Brazil, England, Korea DPR
Group D: USA, Paraguay, Ghana, Japan