Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets became the first country to win the FIFA Under-17 World Cup for the fourth time on Friday after handing a comprehensive 3-0 defeat to their Mexican counterparts, El Tri, at the El Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Despite the stiff opposition and the early attacking play of the Mexicans, who had suffered a 6-1 defeat in the hands of the Nigerians in their opening group match, the Golden Eaglets got the first goal when Mexico’s Eric Aguirre, who was under pressure from Eaglets Musa Yahaya in the ninth minute, tap the ball into his own net.
Dele Alampasu, who was in goal for the Nigerians, ensured that the Mexicans were kept at bay with brilliant saves while Captain Musa Mohammed directed the Eaglets attacks from his right full back position.
With full determination, the Mexicans approached the second half, seeking an equalizer, but the Eaglets ensured that the plan was a mirage as the El Tri’s goal tender, R. Gugilo, parried a ferocious shot from Mohammed to the feet of an onrushing Kelechi Iheanacho to score with a brilliant left tap-in from the rebound.
The Golden Eaglets, despite their brilliance hardly scores from set pieces, but Mohammed ensured that spectators had a moment to remember as he scored Nigeria’s third goal from a free kick to the top right corner of the Mexican net, a goal that will long be remembered in the history of the cadet World Cup.
Apart from winning the cup, Nigeria also won the FIFA Fair Play Award while Iheanacho won the Golden Ball (for the Best Player) and the Silver Boot for emerging the second highest goal scorer with six goals behind Bolden Berisha of Sweden, who won the Golden Boot with seven goals.
Alampasu won the Golden Glove having emerged he best goal keeper in the tournament.
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