ABUJA, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Visiting FIFA Secretary-General Urls Linzi said here on Wednesday Nigeria remains a "soccer giant" in Africa in spite of its non-qualification for the Germany 2006 World Cup.
"Speaking about football, Nigeria, even without qualifying for World Cup, is ranked 12th and that means it's a giant in Africa," Linzi said during a courtesy visit to Nigerian Sports Minister Saidu Sambawa in the Nigerian capital Abuja.
He stated that FIFA recognized the immense role played by Nigeria's youth in the global soccer arena.
"Your young stars play excellent football in the world," he added. Enditem
