With a sell-out crowd of 60,000 expected at the Abuja National Stadium in the Nigerian capital, the host nation are set to kick off their Group A campaign at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2009 against European champions Germany.

The game
Nigeria - Germany, Saturday 24 October, Abuja,

The stakes
As two sides well accustomed to competing on the global stage, Nigeria and Germany will be highly aware of the importance of opening games - particularly when they come against fellow tournament contenders. And with stern tests against section rivals Honduras and Argentina to follow, this Group A clash between the reigning U-17 world champions and their European counterparts could hardly be bigger.

Expected by their supporters to defend the crown won at Korea 2007 and thus move ahead of Brazil onto a record four world titles at this level, the Golden Eaglets will certainly experience pressure on home soil. And having qualified automatically as hosts, they would not they have wished to face arguably their toughest group rivals first, having missed out on the competitive edge that qualifying brings.

The stat
2 - Nigeria and Germany have met on two previous occasions in tournament history, with the African side winning 2-0 at China 1985 and 3-1 at Korea 2007. Will it be third time lucky for the young Mannschaft?

The words
"Ghana's victory at the U-20 World Cup has inspired us. Africa's time has come, it's our year. We have to try and match their feat, especially because we're playing at home. We've prepared well and that gives us confidence for the tournament ahead." Fortune Chukwudi, Nigeria defender and captain

"We have to focus on our own strengths and not let ourselves be overwhelmed by our surroundings. On the contrary, we should draw extra motivation from it because there's nothing better for a player than performing in such a heated atmosphere." Marco Pezzaiuoli, Germany coach


FIFA

Good luck for Nigeria and I hope they do not disappoint like their brother of their first game in Egypt.

Come on Nigeria! I'm wearing the Green White Green today!

good luck eaglet and prove ur critics wrong

9ja dey win today 3 nil.

9ja dey win today 3 nil.

9ja dey win today 3 nil.

9ja dey win today 3 nil.

9ja dey win today 3 nil.

e no go essay ooooooooooo 3nil,

How come I am not interested about the outcome of today's match?

I hope to see the green white green flag
flying very high @ the end of match.

Go Eaglets Go Eaglets GO,

It wl b a shame if we dont win because d weather wl favor us.

I can't say anything for now.I just hope this boiz will not fall our hand!

Hw come Argentina wl b playing by 4pm whereas we suppose to start d opening match,or am i wrong?

Thought i heard 2pm before.

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The Golden Eaglets will avenge the defeat of the Flying Eagles. Go Eaglet go.

How much is the ticket fee?
i wish nigeria good luck.
But i belive the time is 7 o'clock pm but not 5'o'clock.

D.pinaku:

The Golden Eaglets will avenge the defeat of the Flying Eagles. Go Eaglet go.

Yes oooooo 2 - 0 in favor of Golden Eaglet

eaglets should have learnt from their so-called BROTher so as not to swallow any bitter pill at the end of todays match. u know wat I mean?

D match is by 7pm nt 5pm,moderator take note!

i hope its 7 pm so that i will chave closed from work by then, am proud of my country and i know they will make me proud.

Am watching the opening ceremony on TV and the sun is quite hot; the MC is making a mess of the speech.

It appears Yar Adua is spiritually present.

this stadium is empty.wetin dey happen ?

mukina2:

With a sell-out crowd of 60,000 expected at the Abuja National Stadium in the Nigerian capital, the host nation are set to kick off their Group A campaign

The place is empty.
It seems Nigerians dey vex!!

Nothing Works in this country,

where can I watch this match online.

Lets go eaglets!!! we can't wait till 7pm. pls guy where can i get d fixtures online?

Ever since the Tunisia debacle not many people want a repeat performance.

Germany again?