International Football
FACT FILE ON THE FIFA U-17 WORLD CUP
The 2019 edition which begins in Brazil this Saturday the 18th edition since the inaugural one as U16 World Tournament in China in 1985.
- The competition was first held in 1985 and has since been held by all six confederations: Africa (twice, in Egypt and Nigeria), Asia (five times, in India, Korea Republic, China PR, Japan and the United Arab Emirates), Oceania (once, in New Zealand), North, Central America and the Caribbean (three times, in Canada, Trinidad & Tobago and Mexico), Europe (three times, in Scotland, Italy and Finland) and the upcoming event in Brazil will be for the fourth time the competition is held in South America, previously in Ecuador, Peru and Chile.
- Up to and including the 2005 edition, the tournament was played with 16 teams, which was increased to 24 as of 2007.
- A total of 82 associations have taken part in the FIFA U-17 World Cup to date.
- Of the 24 associations that have qualified just once for the tournament, only Switzerland (2009) won the title at their first and so far only participation.
- Excluding the first edition of the tournament in 1985, the highest number of debutants was seven in 1987, 1989 and 2007.
- Angola, Senegal and Solomon Islands will be the three debutants at this year’s tournament.
- With 53 wins in the under-17 age group, Brazil lead the all-time ranking followed by Nigeria with 46 wins.
- Seven of the 17 tournaments have been won by two African teams – Ghana (2) and Nigeria (5), which is also the most number of titles won by any confederation.
- Nigeria have reached eight finals (1985, 1987, 1993, 2001, 2007, 2009, 2013 and 2015) and won five, in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.
- Ghana reached the final four times in a row (1991, 1993, 1995 and 1997), winning twice (1991 and 1995).
- At the 1993 tournament won by Nigeria, kick-in was employed as experiment instead of the conventional throw-in
- Brazil have made it to the final on five occasions (1995, 1997, 1999, 2003 and 2005), winning three times (in 1997, 1999 and 2003).
- As for the number of times that teams have taken part, the USA and Brazil (16 apiece) are practically evergreens, ahead of Argentina and Mexico (13).
- The highest average number of goals per match was recorded at the 1997 and 2003 tournaments in Egypt and Finland (3.66 goals per match), followed by India 2017 (3.52) and Peru 2005 (3.47).
- A total of 664 matches have been played since the inaugural tournament in China PR in 1985.
- Brazil have contested the most matches (82), followed by Nigeria (63) and Argentina (61).
- Nigeria have won an impressive 73% of their 63 FIFA U-17 World Cup games, followed by Brazil with 65% of 82. Switzerland is the only team to have won 100% of their matches but have only played seven.
- Fifteen different teams have played in a FIFA U-17 World Cup final, and nine different teams have lifted the trophy.
- Thirty-two sides, with every confederation represented, have reached the semi-finals, indicating a considerably level playing field in this age group.
- In 1987, 1989, 1999 and 2007, the final was decided on penalties and on each occasion, a team from a different confederation came out on top.
- Three times have teams from the same confederation met in the final, with Ghana playing Nigeria in 1993, Nigeria meeting Mali in 2015, and England against Spain in 2017.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles put up a spirited performance but were edged 2-1 by Portugal in an international friendly at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The match served as Portugal’s final tune-up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America and offered the Nigerians a chance to test themselves against one of Europe’s leading sides led by veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal drew first blood in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto broke the deadlock, firing past Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye after a lively opening period in which both teams created opportunities.
The Super Eagles responded positively and were rewarded eight minutes before halftime when striker Akor Adams found the equaliser. The goal capped an impressive Nigerian fightback and ensured the teams went into the break level at 1-1.
Ronaldo, making a rare appearance against Nigeria, started the match and remained on the pitch until the 67th minute. The 41-year-old was given a standing ovation by the home crowd when he was replaced by Gonçalo Ramos.
Portugal made several changes after the interval as coach Roberto Martinez rotated his squad in preparation for the World Cup. Despite the substitutions, the hosts continued to press for a winner.
Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Francisco Conceição struck the decisive goal, restoring Portugal’s lead and ultimately securing victory for the European side.
Nigeria battled to find another equaliser in the closing stages but Portugal’s defence held firm to preserve the 2-1 result.
The defeat means Portugal have now won both meetings between the two countries. Their first encounter came in Lisbon in November 2022, when the Portuguese recorded a convincing 4-0 victory in a pre-World Cup friendly.
While the result will disappoint Nigerian supporters, the Super Eagles can take encouragement from their resilient display against one of the teams widely tipped to make a strong impact at the World Cup. Akor Adams’ goal and Nigeria’s competitive showing against a star-studded Portuguese side provided positive signs as the team continues its rebuilding process under the national team set-up.
For Portugal, the victory provides a confidence boost as they head to North America, where they hope their talented midfield and experienced squad can propel them to a successful World Cup campaign.
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Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be in the starting line-up when the Selecao take on Nigeria in an international friendly match which kicks off in a few minutes tonight.
The 41-year-old forward, who remains a key figure in the Portuguese national team, has been named among the starters as Portugal continue preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures.
Ronaldo’s inclusion is expected to add further excitement to the encounter, with Nigerian fans eager to see one of football’s greatest players in action against the Super Eagles.
The match offers Nigeria another opportunity to test themselves against top European opposition, while Portugal will look to sharpen their squad ahead of future international assignments.
Kick-off is scheduled for later tonight, with both teams expected to field strong line-ups in what promises to be an entertaining contest.
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By Kunle Solaja
Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Portugal will meet for only the second time at the senior level when they clash in an international friendly in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The encounter comes under remarkably similar circumstances to their first meeting in November 2022, when Portugal defeated Nigeria 4-0 in Lisbon just days before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Once again, Portugal are using Nigeria as their final warm-up match before the World Cup. Four years ago, the Portuguese selected the Super Eagles to prepare for a group-stage clash against Ghana, the team that denied Nigeria a place at Qatar 2022.
History appears to be repeating itself. This time, Portugal are preparing for a World Cup opening fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo, another team that shattered Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions by eliminating the Super Eagles from the qualification race.
The match at the 29,000-capacity Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa offers Nigeria an opportunity to avenge the heavy defeat suffered four years ago and test themselves against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has assembled a star-studded squad featuring five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rafael Leão and João Félix.
The Portuguese head into the encounter unbeaten in their last four matches, having recorded victories over the United States and Chile while drawing with Mexico.
Nigeria, under coach Eric Chelle, have also enjoyed an impressive run. Since taking charge 15 months ago, the Franco-Malian tactician has overseen 24 matches and suffered only one defeat in regulation time.
With both teams carrying impressive recent records, Wednesday’s friendly promises to be far more competitive than the scoreline from their last meeting suggests.
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