The Emmanuel Amunike led Golden Eaglets of Nigeria came into Chile 2015 under 17 world cup without the usual high expectation by Nigerians owing to the fact that prior to the world cup, the Nigerian lads had only managed to squeeze out a qualification spot at the African under 17 youth championship that held in Niger as they qualified by coming a distant fourth position. This is apparently due to the fact that the Golden Eaglets had never soared below the 3rd position at the African youth championship level to qualify. And to have lost two consecutive matches to South Africa and Guinea respectively deflated some expectation on the part of Nigerians.
Having seen the dogged display of the Eaglets at Chile through the group stages and the knock out stages to the final being awaited, it is evidently arguable that Coach Emmanuel Amunike and his technical team has done some job. And once again, Nigerians everywhere have built their expectations on the lads for a record fifth title as the promising Eaglets take on their Mali counterpart in an expected world class finals.
Owing to the intimidating record of the defending champion Nigeria that has won the cup a record 4 times in 7 finals; there was no doubt that the USA, Chile and Croatia where ruing their fate for falling in the group that has Nigeria. The question was therefore not Nigeria’s qualification from the group. But the question was more like who is to qualify alongside Nigeria. The fears began to get confirmation as the USA became the first victim of Nigeria’s onslaught, falling by 2-0. Unsatisfied with the result against the USA, the Amunike led lads confirmed their intent and qualification from the group by smashing Chile by 5 goals to 1. While the victory began to raise expectations on the part of Nigerians, it was quickly deflated by Croatia as they got the better of the Eaglets by winning the final group match by 2 goals to 1. And it was a deserved victory by Croatians who played better against a lackluster and complacent Nigerian side.
Methinks Amunike began to rekindle his message and tactics as the boys became faced with the realities of the knockout stages. And the boys realized they needed to restore hope again. In an unexpected fashion, Australia fell to the ferocious Eaglets by 6 goals to 1 at the round of 16. At the quarter finals, the Nigerian lads massacred Brazil 3-0 in a cautious, careful and respectful manner.
The semifinal match was no doubt a repeat of the 2013 finals between Mexico and Nigeria. While the Mexicans had vengeance in their mind, the Nigerians had the finals in their mind. The match started in that psychological fashion as the Mexicans came out early with great cutting edge displays that paid off early in the 7th minute as they score their first goal through Kelvin Magana. They would have gotten a second or third but thanks to goal keeper Akpan Udoh for his Buffonlike saves.
Midway through the first half, the Eaglets realized that they cannot afford to be complacent in their invincibility as they began to detonate their creative missiles that earned an equalizer at about 35th minute through Kelechi Nwakali’s stunning free kick. By the 43rd minute, a France 2008 Olisehlike volley against Spain was repeated by Orji Okonkwo from 35 yards to increase Nigeria’s lead. Early in the second half, the Mexicans leveled the scoreline line through D, Cortes in a Maradonalike fashion. By the 67th minute, Osinachi Ebere increased the tally for Nigeria as Victor Osimhen settled the game for Nigeria from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute.
Nigeria has now set up a highly anticipated all African final with Mali, the African champion. While Nigeria keeps their goal scoring form as the best scoring side at the Chile 2015, Mali keeps their record as the best defensive side. This final is a match to see as these two ferocious African giants lock horns on Sunday the 8th of November 2015. If Nigeria wins and Victor Osimhen scores, Nigeria would be celebrating an outstanding 5th title and a record goal tally by an individual player as Osimhen is already tied on 9 goals with Souleymane Coulibaly and Florent Sinama-Pongolle as Under 17 world cup all-time scorer. More than that, Osimhen would be joining the likes of Wilson Oruma for scoring every match of the tournament. For Nigeria, there is much to celebrate and much to look forward to. Meanwhile, Mali would be celebrating their first Under 17 world cup title if they win.
