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Page last updated at 15:08 GMT, Wednesday, 23 September 2009 16:08 UK

Nigeria not ready for Cup - Fifa

By Matthew Kenyon
BBC Fast Track, Cairo

Fifa vice-president Jack Warner
Jack Warner says Nigeria are not fully ready to host the Under-17 World Cup

Fifa says organisers of next month's Under-17 World Cup in Nigeria must use Egypt's preparations for the under-20 event as a catalyst to help them get ready.

Football's world governing body at one stage threatened to move the tournament from Nigeria because of organisational difficulties.

In contrast they have praised planning for the Under-20 World Cup, which is due to kick-off on Thursday in Alexandria.

"This should serve as a catalyst to help Nigeria to be ready", Fifa vice-president Jack Warner said here on Wednesday.

"[Nigeria should] look at the organisation and look at the quality of the facilities.

"And therefore I hope that this will serve as a kind of stepping stone for Nigeria to be ready.

"As I speak to you now Nigeria is not yet fully ready. I hope that some of this (Egypt's planning) will pass off on to Nigeria," he said.

The under-20 showpiece kicks off with the hosts Egypt taking on Warner's native Trinidad and Tobago in the opening game.

Warner also insisted that the absence from Egypt of stars like Italy's Mario Balotelli, who has Ghanaian parents, would not hamper the youth tournament.

"In this competition you will see stars being created," he said.

"[Lionel] Messi was not born in Barcelona, Messi was born from this kind of competition.

"Michael Owen, all these guys, they are made stars from this event."



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see also
Martins recalled by Super Eagles
23 Sep 09 |  African
Nigeria handed tough U17 draw
08 Aug 09 |  African
Fifa happy with Nigeria progress
07 Aug 09 |  African
Nigeria U-17 given Fifa approval
14 Jun 09 |  African
Fifa condemns Nigeria preparations
21 May 09 |  African


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