Nigeria leads Mexico in first half

Nigeria’s U-17 team, the Golden Eaglets, are through to the final of the ongoing Federation Internationale de Football Association U17 World Cup in Chile as they came from behind to beat Mexico 4-2 in a thrilling semi-final match in the early hours of Friday.

The Mexicans had the better start at the Estadio Municipal Ester RoaConcepcion and they were in front after just eight minutes when the Eaglets defence was caught flat-footed and Kevin Magana was gifted the opening goal.

In the 35th minute, Nwakali leveled up with a curly 25-yard free kick and with less than two minutes to halftime, Amuneke’s wards took the lead for the first time with Okonkwo’s world class goal.

Diego Cortes equalized for El Tri, but Ebere restored Nigeria’s lead in the second half.

Two late goals from leading top scorer Victor Osimhen and Osinachi Ebere gave Nigeria victory over the Mexicans.

John Lazarus was taken down in the Mexicans 18-yard box thereby paving the way for Osimhen to score a penalty in the 83rd minute and consolidated Nigeria’s victory.

The last time the U-17 World Cup experienced an all-African final was about 22 years ago in Japan where Nigeria defeated Ghana to win the title for the second time.

Their West African neighbour, Nigeria, also had to come from behind to secure a berth in the final billed for Vina Del March.

Mexico will now face Belgium, who lost to Mali in the other semifinal, for a chance at third place.