Awards galore in Abuja

Awards galore in Abuja
(FIFA.com) Sunday 15 November 2009
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Nigeria's surprise defeat to Switzerland in the final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2009 was a bitter pill to swallow for the Golden Eaglets. Sani Emmanuel's adidas Golden Ball award for best player may, however, be of some consolation to the hosts, who also scooped the Fair Play Award. Meanwhile, Spain's Borja claimed the adidas Golden Shoe, while Swiss Benjamin Siegrist was recognised as best goalkeeper. But several more players won acclaim for their performances at Nigeria 2009. Here FIFA.com brings you the full roll of honour:

adidas Golden Ball: Sani Emmanuel (Nigeria)
The diminutive Nigerian forward won 30.2 per cent of the votes for best player cast by the tournament's accredited media representatives. Although he started most matches on the bench, his impact on the game and memorable goals were enough to convince the press that he was a deserving winner of the adidas Golden Ball.

adidas Silver Ball: Nassim Ben Khalifa (Switzerland)
The Swiss admitted that he's been a Ronaldo fan for years, and from what we have seen, he has emulated him to perfection. With his blistering pace, exquisite technique and composure in the box, the Swiss No10 netted four times and provided three assists on the way to the title. With such a complete performance, it comes as little surprise that he won an impressive 22.7 per cent of the votes.

adidas Bronze Ball: Ramon Azeez (Nigeria)
Nigeria's flying midfielder grabbed the media's attention with his ability to provide balance in a clearly attack-minded team. He played in every game and even scored against Korea Republic. With 17.8 per cent of the votes, Azeez wins the adidas Bronze Ball, which may be of some consolation after defeat in the final.

adidas Golden Glove: Benjamin Siegrist (Switzerland)
The FIFA Technical Study Group (TSG) awarded Swiss goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist the adidas Golden Glove for best goalkeeper in the tournament. The baby-faced giant, currently at Aston Villa in England, was one of the pillars of his team's success, conceding just seven goals in as many games. He goes home with deserved recognition of his contribution to Switzerland's historic victory.

adidas Golden Shoe: Borja (Spain)
The Atletico Madrid forward crowned an excellent campaign with the award for tournament's top scorer, with five goals and an assist. The No9 showed power, great technique, and an eye for goal which saw him hit the net in four of his seven games, including twice against Uruguay. They, along with USA, UAE and Nigeria, can all attest to what a dangerous player he is.

adidas Silver Shoe: Sani Emmanuel (Nigeria)
The opportunistic forward was Nigeria's secret weapon on their path to the final. His only start was in the final itself, meaning a total of just 221 minutes playing time all told. But whenever a goal was needed, Emmanuel was there, scoring against Argentina, and twice against New Zealand and Spain. With his impressive pace and finishing, this supersub collects the adidas Silver Shoe.

adidas Bronze Shoe: Sebastian Gallegos (Uruguay)
Another diminutive talent that emerged from the tournament, the Uruguay No10 not only showed his class by leading the young Celestes to the quarter-finals, but also by scoring in every game in which Uruguay got on the scoresheet. Gallegos netted against Korea Republic, Algeria, Iran and Spain, where his plays his club football with Atletico Madrid.

FIFA Fair Play Award: Nigeria
Although just a step away from being crowned champions, Nigeria did win the FIFA Fair Play Award. Playing at home, John Obuh's boys acquitted themselves magnificently, showing tremendous sportsmanship and thrilling the home fans with their high-quality football.