Nigeria wins thriller to join Mali in U-17 WC Final

Nigeria have won a thrilling contest with Mexico 4-2 to progress to the final of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Chile, where they will meet Mali.

Nigeria Under-17

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Mexico opened the scoring through Kevin Magana, with stunning efforts from Kelechi Nwakali and Orji Okwonkwo seeing the African side ahead. Diego Cortes's remarkable solo effort levelled matters before Osinachi Ebere and Victor Osimhen's late record-equalling penalty saw the Golden Eaglets into an all-African final against Mali.

Mexico controlled the ball in the opening stages of the match, and took the lead early on. Kevin Lara beat his man on the Mexican right and delivered a teasing cross into the middle. Aguirre tried to control with his chest, but Magana took charge and fired home.

Nigeria rode their luck, with a couple of good Mexican opportunities and after riding the storm, managed to level things up thanks to the superb technique of their captain. Nwakali spotted up a free kick from around 25 yards, and curled a perfect effort into the bottom left-hand corner. Romero stood no chance. 

Amuneke's charges sensed their opponents were on the back foot, and Okwonkwo took advantage, producing one of the moments of the tournament to see his side ahead. He cut inside from the left onto his right foot and thumped an effort in off the crossbar. 

After the break, Mexico took time to reassert their rhythm after the shock of going behind. Cortes then stepped up to score what must be considered one of the best goals ever scored in the Estadio Ester Roa. He picked up the ball on the Mexican right just inside the Nigerian half and proceeded to dribble past five players, showing incredible close control before slotting calmly past Udoh. 

Nigeria were undeterred by Cortes's golazo and struck back. Ebere found space on the Nigerian right just inside the Mexican penalty area after a long through ball. His right-footed effort was too strong for Romero, who got a hand to the strike but could not keep it out.  

John Lazarus was taken down in the Mexican penalty area, giving Osimhen the chance to score his ninth goal of Chile 2015 and go level at the top of the all-time U-17 World Cup goalscoring charts. He slotted home with ease, adding gloss to the Golden Eaglets victory. 

Nigeria head to Vina Del Mar for an all-African final against continental champions Mali while Mexico will face off against Belgium in the match for third place earlier the same day.

Mali reached their first ever FIFA U-17 World Cup final with a convincing 3-1 victory over Belgium in La Serena, Chile. 



The European side had taken the lead through Dante Rigo, but Boubacar Traore's responded quickly before second half goals from Sidiki Maiga and Sekou Koita wrapped up the victory

Belgium took the lead when Jorn Vancamp found space inbetween the Malian midfield and defence and lofted a brilliant pass with the outside of his right foot to the onrushing Rigo. The midfielder showed calmness beyond his years to finish for his second goal in two games, and end Mali's run of over 300 minutes without conceding at Chile 2015.

The Malians struck back quickly. Aly Malle matched Vancamp's assist with a delightful cross using the outside of his left foot. The ball missed everyone but Traore followed in, lashing home from inside the penalty area.

Mali was slightly fortunate to take a 2-1 lead after half-time. A long clearance pumped upfield by the Malian defence was misread by Jens Teunckens, the bounce deceiving the Belgian goalkeeper. Maiga snuck in to nod home with the Club Brugge stopper stranded.

The win was confirmed in the closing stages as Koita, the youngest player on either side, showed great composure. He received the ball in the Belgian penalty area on the right-hand side and slammed a finish across Teunckens into the far corner.

Mali's historic victory means they will face the victors of the second semi-final between Mexico and Nigeria on Monday morning (AEDT), with Belgium facing the defeated side in the play-off for third place earlier the same day in Vina Del Mar.


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4 min read
Published 6 November 2015 9:06am
Updated 6 November 2015 12:11pm
Source: SBS

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