The Nigeria Golden Eaglets became only the second side to
retain the FIFA U-17 World Cup with a 2-0 win against Mali in Vina Del Mar.
Victor Osimhen stole the show once again thanks to his record-breaking tenth
goal of the tournament, with Funsho Bamgboye adding a second moments later.
Samuel Diarra had saved an early Osinachi Ebere penalty as the Malians played their
part in an entertaining finale to Chile 2015.
The penalty came as both sides were just finding their
rhythm in the opening exchanges, Chato the culprit with a handball. Ebere saw
his low effort saved brilliantly by Diarra, the No17’s follow up header hit the
bar before a third bite of the cherry was blocked by the Malian defence.
Both sides had chances in a tense opening period, with
Golden Eaglets skipper Kelechi Nwakali hitting just wide and Boubacar Traore
seeing his glancing header tipped over by Akpan Udoh.
The second half saw the game burst into life, with Emmanuel
Amuneke’s words clearly working their magic on the Nigerian youngsters. Osimhen
shrugged off the challenge of Mamadou Fofana before hitting a wonderful dipping
half volley towards goal, which Diarra spectacularly saved. Udochukwu Anumudu
then smashed a thunderous effort at goal, which rebounded back off the crossbar
and was cleared away.
Mali did not heed those warnings. Good approach play by
substitute Chinedu Madueke saw him tee up Osimhen for his record-breaking goal,
seeing him surpass the nine goals scored by Florent Sinama Pongolle in 2001 and
Souleymane Coulibaly ten years later.
The holders doubled their advantage mere minutes later, with
Bamgboye bursting down the Nigerian left before smashing a powerful effort at
goal, Diarra standing little chance. Despite a couple of late chances for Mali, from corner
kicks, Nigeria retained possession for large spells and saw the game out to
retain their crown. The jubilant scenes on the final whistle in Vina Del Mar
will surely live long in the memories of these Nigerian heroes of the present,
some of whom may just become the stars of the future.
NIGERIA MAKES HISTORY TODAY - Nigeria enter the history books today as only the second
country to retain the U17 World Cup courtesy of
2-0 victory of Mali in the final of the championship in Chile. Brazil were the first team to successfully defend this
trophy – they won in 1997 and retained it in 1999.
The Golden Eaglets have already won the competition a record
four times, and successfully defended the trophy they won two years ago in Abu
Dhabi. Today’s showdown was the second all-African FIFA U17 World Cup. The first was
in 1993, when Nigeria beat Ghana 2-1 at Japan ’93.
Source
Vanguard
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