Nigeria last night entered history books as the most successful nation at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, courtesy their 2-0 win over Mali at the just ended cadets championship in Chile.
The Eaglets were champions in Chaina ’85, Japan ‘93, South Korea 2007 and United Arab Emirates 2013, making them the first team ever to win the junior World Cup five times.
Victor Osimhen broke the resistance of the Malians to surpass Sinama Pongolle’s nine-goal record of the tournament.
The Ultimate Strikers Academy’s forward lashed home the opener after connecting Chinedu Madueke’s pass from the right flank to hit his 10th of the tournament.
Three minutes after Osimhen’s goal, Funsho Bamigboye struck to make it two for Nigeria.
Earlier in the game, Nigeria would have gone ahead after three minutes, but Malian goalkeeper, Samuel Diarra, pulled a save to deny Osinachi Ebere from scoring from the spot.
Eaglets’ skipper, Kelechi Nwakali, fired at goal after 19 minutes, but the goalkeeper had it well covered.
On the reverse, Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Akpan Udoh, also pulled off a big save in the 29th minute off a flicked header by big Mali forward, Boubacar Traore.
In 36th minute of the tie, Bamgboye’s shot on goal off a pass by Chukwueze was deflected for a corner by Dante, as Mali escaped a swift Nigeria counter attack.
The Malians continued to pile up pressure but Nigeria’s defenders thwarted all their attempts at staging a comeback in the game.
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