Eaglets qualify for second round of U17 World Cup with 5-1 demolition of hosts Chile

NIGERIA's Golden Eaglets have qualified for the second round of the ongoing U17 World Cup with a convincing 5-1 thrashing of hosts Chile yesterday that leaves them top of their group with maximum points after two games.

 

Building on their earlier 2-0 victory over Team USA in their opening match, the Eaglets, the reigning champions, showed why they are favourites to win the tournament with an emphatic display. They totally overwhelmed their opponents with pace, power and precision finishing, making the match a very one-sided affair.

 

A goal within 22 seconds by Samuel Chukwueze set the tone for the night and on the 17th minute, skipper Kelechi Nwakali's to score from the spot after Chukwueze had been brought down in the penalty area. Ever a thorn in the side of the Chileans, Chukwueze grabbed another goal in the second half after and then again earned Nigeria another penalty which Victor Osimhen converted.

 

Chile grabbed a consolation goal towards the end before substitute Funsho Bamgboye was sent off but the Eaglets were not done, however, as Osimhen's late header got Nigeria a fifth goal. In the dying minutes of the game, Nigeria got another penalty after Chukwueze had been fouled in the penalty area for a third time but Nwakali skied it over the bar.

 

On the night, targetman Osimhen was too much for the Chilean defenders as his powerful holding of the line gave them all sorts of problems. Bamgboye had hit the post before Chile's consolation goal came courtesy of captain Marcelo Allende, who slammed past Akpan Udoh in goal for Nigeria from Luciano Diaz's cross.

 

Nigeria now joins Korea Republic in the last 16, as both teams have won both their matches. Hosts Chile will now face the USA in a pivotal final clash back at the Estadio Sausalito on Friday in a match they need to win to progress to the next round.