Osimhen set record as Eaglet retain the FIFA U-17 World Cup

The Nigerian Golden Eaglets became only the second side to retain the FIFA U-17 World Cup with a 2-0 win against Mali in Vina Del Mar. Nigeria won in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013, and now in 2015 in Chile and has set a record of the first country to win the competition for the five times.

       

The Nigerian team won the maiden edition of FIFA U-17 World Cup in 1985 in China, the fifth edition of the tournament in 1993 in Japan, the twelfth edition of the tournament in 2007 in South Korea,the fifteenth held in the United Arab Emirates 2013 and again the sixteenth in Chile 2015.

Victor Osimhen stole the show once again thanks to his record-breaking tenth goal of the tournament, with Funsho Bamgboye adding a second moments later. Samuel Diarra had saved an early Osinachi Ebere penalty as the Malians played their part in an entertaining finale to Chile 2015.

The penalty came as both sides were just finding their rhythm in the opening exchanges, Chato the culprit with a handball. Ebere saw his low effort saved brilliantly by Diarra, the No17’s follow up header hit the bar before a third bite of the cherry was blocked by the Malian defence.

Both sides had chances in a tense opening period, with Golden Eaglets skipper Kelechi Nwakali hitting just wide and Boubacar Traore seeing his glancing header tipped over by Akpan Udoh.

The second half saw the game burst into life, with Emmanuel Amuneke’s words clearly working their magic on the Nigerian youngsters. Osimhen shrugged off the challenge of Mamadou Fofana before hitting a wonderful dipping half volley towards goal, which Diarra spectacularly saved. Udochukwu Anumudu then smashed a thunderous effort at goal, which rebounded back off the crossbar and was cleared away.

Mali did not heed those warnings. Good approach play by substitute Chinedu Madueke saw him tee up Osimhen for his record-breaking goal, seeing him surpass the nine goals scored by Florent Sinama Pongolle in 2001 and Souleymane Coulibaly ten years later.

The holders doubled their advantage mere minutes later, with Bamgboye bursting down the Nigerian left before smashing a powerful effort at goal, Diarra standing little chance.

Despite a couple of late chances for Mali, from corner kicks, Nigeria retained possession for large spells and saw the game out to retain their crown. The jubilant scenes on the final whistle in Vina Del Mar will surely live long in the memories of these Nigerian heroes of the present, some of whom may just become the stars of the future.

Eaglets hails for good Conduct in Korea After Exit by NFF

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has praised the Golden Eaglets despite finishing third at the 2015 Suwon Continental Cup International Youth (U-17) Football Tournament in Korea.

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The Emmanuel Amuneke-led side, who lost in a 3-2 dramatic manner to Croatia in their last game, had earlier posted a 1-1 draw against Korea and earned a 2-1 win against eventual winners, Brazil.

Addressing the Golden Eaglets after the ill-fated loss to Croatia, NFF board member, Ahmad Kawu, and Deputy General Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, gave kudos to the team for their overall performance and good conduct in Suwon.

“You have done well despite the fact that you lost to Croatia today in a dramatic way because but over the three matches everybody saw you are a good side and we are confident you would get better before the World Cup in Chile,” said Kawu who gifted the Eaglets 500 US Dollars.

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He added: “This is just my little appreciation to you and I want to commend the technical crew for a good job. I believe this team will get better before we get to Chile.”

Similarly, Ikpeme said the Golden Eaglets looked promising. Only six players of the 21 that earned the FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015 ticket at the African U-17 Championship were in Suwon and Ikpeme said the tournament was a good platform to expose the new lads.

“I was in touch with the NFF president, Mr. Amaju Pinnick and he was happy that you have gained exposure and experience by coming for this tournament,” Ikpeme said. “You have done well but the ultimate gain of this competition was the exposure; we want you to block the loss to Croatia from your psyche and refocus your attention to Chile.

Golden Eaglets of Nigeria drawn South American Side Chile in U-17 World Chapionships

The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria has been drawn with South American side Chile, United State of America USA and Croatia in group A at the Under 17 Championships.
        
The Emmanuel Amunike side finished fourth at this year's African U17 Championship in Niger Republic to qualify for the tournament where they will be hoping to defend the crown they won two years ago in the United Arab Emirate.

See full draws here:

Group A : Chile, Croatia, Nigeria, USA (Venues: Satiago, Vina del Mar, Coquimbo)

Group B : England, Guinea, Brazil, Korea Republic (Venues: La Serena, Coquimbo, Vina del Mar)

Group C : Australia, Germany, Mexico, Argentina (Venues: Chillan, Talca)

Group D : Belgium, Mali, Honduras, Ecuador (Venues: Talca, Chillan)

Group E : South Africa, Costa Rica, Korea DPR, Russia (Venues: Concepcion, Puerto Montt)

Group F : New Zealand, France, Syria, Paraguay (Venues: Puerto Montt, Concepcion)

According to Source : THE SHEET

Nigeria Golden Eaglets to play Amajimbos in Cup semi final

Four-time world champions Nigeria face a contest against first-time qualifiers South Africa for a place in the final of the 11th African U-17 Championship on-going in Niger Republic.
               
The Amajimbos surprised African football followers by lashing Cameroon 3-1 in their final Group B match in Niamey on Sunday, setting a stage for a clash with the reigning world champions.

It is a clash of the illustrious against greehorns, but Nigeria coach Emmanuel Amuneke said on Sunday: "We are going to under-rate South Africa. My boys made that mistake against Guinea and it nearly cost us dearly. We will go all out against South Africa with our full strength."

The match starts 5pm Niger Republic time on Wednesday, with both teams, as well as fellow semi finalists Mail and Guinea, already through to the FIFA U-17 World Cup finals taking place in Chile 17th October-8th November this year. Reports (thenff.com)

AYC 2015: Golden Eaglets fight back from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Guinea

Nigeria's U-17 team, Golden Eaglets, on Wednesday forced their Guinean counterparts to a 1-1 draw at Stade General Seyni Kountche at the on-going African U-17 Championship in Naimey.
                  
Team Captain Kelechi Nwakali yet again rescued the team with a vital equalizer in the second half from the spot kick after Sam Diallo had scored the first goal in the 11th minute through a penalty kick as well.

Nigeria, however, tops Group A with goal difference as it has four points with Guinea.

The Guineans dominated the first 10 minutes of play by forcing the Golden Eaglets into their own half.

A minutes later, Nigeria conceded a penalty after defender Lukman Halilu brought down skillful Yamodou Toure in the box, and Sam Diallo dispatched the ball behind goalkeeper Akpan Udoh.

The Guineans showed better initiatives in the attack by forcing the Golden Eaglets on the defensive time and again.

Abdoulaye Jules Keita was handful on the left flank in the 22th minute.

Victor Osimhen thought he had got the much needed equalizer but his powerful header off a cross from Samuel Chukwueze was disallowed by referee Jean Jacques Ngambo.

Read more here (Premium Times ) 

Nigerian's U-17 Traveled and arrives Niger Republic by Road

According to reports "I read that Nigeria U-17 football team is traveling to Niger Republic by road to play Niger U-17 team.
                     
Whoever that wickedly thieving nincompoop is that is planning to send the team to go by road must be stopped. Even if the boys are camped in any of the 6 Nigerian states of Kebbi, Skokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Jigawa or Yobe that border Niger, they must go by air and be back by air.

Whether the person(s) holding the money that is budgeted for their flight tickets is in the NFF or Mininstry of Sports he/she/they must be forced to release it.

How can anyone be that callous as to send people's children to cross these boarders by road at a time like this, and endangering their lives, just to save some money to take care of his own who cannot even inflate a football of lace a football boot? Sad! we keep moving from one corrupt and evil activity to another because some people must make a buck out of other people's misery and pain.

With reports reaching this morning that the Emmanuel Amunike boys have now arrived Niger, the venue of the CAF U-17 Championship.

The Eaglets will kick of their campaign against the host country Niger Republic on Sunday before playing Guine  and Zambia in Group A.