Nigeria U17s beat Mali to retain World Cup

Mexico started the second half brightly, and Diego Cortes renewed hopes when he dribbled his way past several Nigerian defenders before driving the ball in for the 2-2.

Nigeria had after that historic feat gone ahead to win the trophy in 1993 (Japan), 2007 (Korea) and 2013 in UAE.

“We know that Nigeria is a great team, but we are ready” said Mexico midfielder Pablo Lopez.

Osimhen has bagged nine goals to date, equalling the record set by Florent Sinama Pongolle and also held by Ivorian forward Souleymane Coulibaly.

Moments later, Udochukwu Anumudu’s goal-bound effort scrapped the crossbar.

The game came into life just three minutes from kick-off, as English referee Michael Oliver awarded Nigeria a penalty for a handball by Chato. “This is a very good team and I wish them all the best for the final”. But Samuel Diarra denied Osinachi Ebere and his rebound was headed onto the crossbar.

Eaglets skipper Kelechi Nwakali fired at goal after 19 minutes, but the goalkeeper had it well covered.

The game then swung to the other end of the pitch, where Bamgboye fired home from inside the box, but his attempt was deflected for a corner.

Like Mali, Emmanuel Amuneke’s men were tested to the limit by an entertaining Mexico team, and in the process both sides produced what is likely to be regarded as the game of the tournament to date.

For the President, the Golden Eaglets’ latest victory on the global stage is an affirmation of the significant progress Nigeria is now making towards positively redefining and rediscovering its potential for greatness in the comity of nations.

Prior to winning the 2015 edition, the Golden Eaglets had won the maiden edition in 1985 in Beijing, China, beating Germany 2-0 in the finals when, incidentally, current President Muhammadu Buhari was Nigeria’s military Head of State.