Nigeria Golden Eaglets rule the world again

The Eaglets of Nigeria yesterday at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi spanked the defending Champion Mexico 3-0 through an own goal in the ninth minute and two other goals from Kelechi Iheanacho in the 56th minute and the third goal scored by Eaglets Captain Musa Muhammed in the 80th minute to emerge Champions of the 15th Edition of the FIFA U- 17 World Cup.

The revelation of the 15th Edition of the FIFA U- 17 World Cup, the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria did not disappoint the football lovers all over the world as they came out smoking right from the blast of the whistle of referee Craig Thomson (Scotland) while the Mexicans showed why they were the defending Champions and the winner of the 2011 edition of the competition checking the onslaught of the Nigerians with excellent marking and good midfield display.

Golden Eaglets’ attack remained fierce as ever as brilliant exchange of passes between Eaglets midfielder Musa Yahaya and striker Taiwo Awoniyi resulted into 9th minute error and an own goal committed by Mexico’s keeper Raul Gudino which literarily sent the 20,800 capacity stadium filled with 80 percent Nigerians leaving in the United Emirates into wild jubilations. The goal equaled Germany’s total score of 24 recorded in 2007 edition of the competition.

The Mexicans enjoyed better ball possession having 58th to Nigeria’s 42 at the end of the first half. But Eaglets keeper Dele Alampasu deserves commendations for making wonderful saves in the sixth, 30th minutes of the game. In the 35th minute of the game Ulises Rivas was cautioned by referee Thomson. The Eaglets could have increased tally in the 38th minute when Taiwo Awoniyi rounded off Mexican goalkeeper Gudino but hit the side of the net.

The Nigerian wonder kids began the second half the way they ended it came out smoking in the second half with Yahaya, Iheanacho, Awoniyi and restless Captain of the team initiating ceaseless attack in the match despite Mexico’s coach replacing Luis Hernandez with Christian Tover in the 46th minute of the game. Earlier on Eaglets keeper has saved a goal bound attempt in the 47th minute of the game.

Iheanacho in the 56th minute made another statement of emerging the Most Valuable Player of the tournament when he slotted home Nigeria’s second goal off a rebound from Muhammed’s first attempt at goal. He has now scored six (6) goals and made seven (7) assists. Iheanacho’s goal also drew wide ovation from the fans at the stadium most especially when former Super Eagles Captain and the revelation of the Japan 1993 U- 17 World Cup Kanu Nwankwo was shown on the television screen applauding Eaglets’ second goal. Also in the 58th minute, Erick Aguirre was cautioned by the referee for fouling rampant Yahaya who is arguably the Man of the Match.

In the 68th minute Erich Hernandez replaced tired Omar Govea while Eaglets Coach Manu Garba brought in Chidera Ezeh to replace Abdullahi Alfa in the 79th minute.

Two minutes later Captain fantastic Muhammed of Nigeria curled in a wonderful free-kick fro Nigeria’s third (3rd) goal after Yahaya was fouled outside the box.

Nigeria by this feat have landed a record fourth title having won the Under-17 World Cup in 1985, 1993 and 2007. Brazil are the other only nation to have won the tournament on three occasions in 1997, 1999 and 2003. The Nigerians have however finished as runners-up in three editions in 1987, 2001 and 2009.