Nigeria not to host U-17 World Cup

Published October 24, 2008

ABUJA, Oct 23: The financial crisis has forced Nigeria to withdraw from hosting the 2009 Under-17 World Cup, the government said on Wednesday.

The local committee organising the competition had put forward a total budget of 37 billion naira ($314 million) which the government rejected as too large, Information Minister John Odey said after a cabinet meeting.

“It is quite clear that in view of the current financial crisis, government alone cannot bear the cost. We are exercising a lot of caution and prioritising our needs,” he said.

The withdrawal of Nigeria, the world’s eighth-biggest oil exporter, came barely a week after President Umaru Yar’Adua said hosting the championship would help promote sports in the soccer-mad country.—Reuters

Opinion

Editorial

Taliban divisions
Updated 24 Feb, 2025

Taliban divisions

The only workable solution lies in Mullah Akhundzada loosening his iron grip on the country.
Oblivious to drought
24 Feb, 2025

Oblivious to drought

PAKISTAN faces two types of drought: one caused by dry weather or lower-than-normal rainfall, and the other ...
Digital children
24 Feb, 2025

Digital children

AS most parents with young children will agree, the easiest way to pacify a bawling child is to hand them a...
The long wait
Updated 23 Feb, 2025

The long wait

Pakistan’s fundamental problem is that two of its most important leaders still cannot get over themselves.
Defending freedom
23 Feb, 2025

Defending freedom

THERE was no other choice. Despite assurances of consultations with key stakeholders, the government passed the Peca...
Anti-Muslim crimes
23 Feb, 2025

Anti-Muslim crimes

THE surge in Islamophobic assaults in the UK, as reported by the anti-hate crime charity Tell MAMA, is a stark...