Oceania Football Confederation’s (OFC) U-17 champions New Zealand have been drawn with Burkina Faso, Costa Rica and Turkey in Group D of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Nigeria 2009 after the official draw took place in Abuja overnight (7 August).
The FIFA tournament involving 24 teams will be played in Abuja, Bauchi, Calabar, Enugu, Ijebu-Ode, Kaduna, Kano and Lagos from 24 October to 15 November.
New Zealand’s U-17 side – otherwise known as the Young All Whites – qualified for the finals by winning the OFC U-17 Championship New Zealand 2009 in April.
With FIFA vice-president and Chairman of the Organising Committee for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, Jack A. Warner, in attendance, the draw set up some thrilling encounters including an opening match that sees reigning champions and hosts Nigeria pitted against Germany.
The draw ceremony also included the unveiling of the official mascot of the tournament – Bobo the eaglet.
For all the latest reaction to the draw visit FIFA.com
FIFA U-17 World Cup Official Draw
Group A : Nigeria, Germany, Honduras, Argentina
Group B : Brazil, Japan, Mexico, Switzerland
Group C : Iran, Gambia, Colombia, Netherlands
Group D : Turkey, Burkina Faso, Costa Rica, New Zealand
Group E : UAE, Malawi, Spain, USA
Group F : Uruguay, Korea Republic, Algeria, Italy