Golden Eaglets qualify for U17 World Cup semi finals in style demolishing Brazil 3-0

altNIGERIA'S Golden Eaglets have cruised into the semi finals of the ongoing U17 World Cup with a comprehensive 3-0 demolition of Brazil and reaffirmed their status as the firm favourites to win and retain the trophy.

 

At the match played at the Estadio Sausalito Vina Del Mar, the Eaglets wrapped up the match in five dramatic minutes of the first half when they turned on the style with panache. Goals from Victor Osimhen, Kingsley Michael and Udochukwu Anumubu in the 29th, 30th and 34th minute respectively ended the game as a contest.

 

Brazil had looked bright in the opening stages but were unable to capitalise on it, either finding Nigerian goalkeeper Akpan Udoh in fine form or shooting off target, with Rogerio and Evander being the two major culprits. They were made to rue those missed opportunities when the lethal Osimhen extended his lead at the top of the goalscoring chart with his opener, which gives him nine goals in the tournament.

 

Right back John Lazarus crossed from the right allowing the targetman to head in, via a deflection off Eder Militao. Moments later, Nigeria doubled their lead, with Osimhen instrumental once more as he hooked a bouncing ball back over his shoulder for Michael to volley home.

 

As Michael struck the ball, it bounced up off the turf and past Juliano in goal for Brazil, who could only watch it helplessly. Juliano was deceived by another bounce just four minutes later, as Anumudu hit a left-footed drive from distance and his effort skipped off the turf and into the net.

 

In the second half, there were few clear-cut opportunities, with Funsho Bamgboye and Evander going closest for either side. However, by then, the game had ended as a contest and Nigeria now heads to Concepcion for Thursday's semi-final against the winner of tomorrow's quarter-final between Ecuador and Mexico.

 

Golden Eaglets head coach Emmanuel Ammunike, said: "It is not like we scored three goals and that was it. Before that, their side had 15 very good minutes, when they moved the ball around as we knew they could.

 

"You have to give credit to my kids, who were tranquil and kept their cool to deal with the Brazil pressure and then scored at the right time. For them, to beat Brazil is a big confidence boost but we still have a long way to the title, though."

 

Carlos Amadeu, Brazil's coach, added: "We knew it was important for us to make the most of our opportunities, especially if we dominated the game at some point but we didn't. Their goals were scored in only five minutes because of specific chances, not because we were not balanced.

 

"We would like to have put Nigeria behind on the scoreboard but we failed to score. For these kids, everything that has happened here is part of their learning process." 

 

Nigeria will now play Thursday's game without winger Funsho Bamgboye who picked up a second yellow card, ruling him out of the semi finals. Nigeria is hoping to retain the title which they won two years ago.

 

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