November 11 – So often fraught with controversy, Nigerian football is back in the spotlight for the right reasons after winning the world under-17 championship for a record fourth time, overpowering holders Mexico 3-0 in Abu Dhabi.
The Nigerians, who thrashed the same opponents 6-1 in the group stage, went ahead after nine minutes when Mexico defender Erick Aguirre turned Musa Yahaha’s shot into his own net.
Mexico goalkeeper Raul Gudino was then at fault for Nigeria’s second in the 56th minute when he failed to hold a swerving shot by captain Musa Muhammed and Kelechi Iheanacho snapped up the rebound. Muhammed added the third nine minutes from time.
The Golden Eaglets, as they are known, won the inaugural tournament in 1995 and were also triumphant in 1993 and 2007. While their success should in theory guarantee a strong future for the senior team in years to come, only a relatively small number of successful under-17 players have gone on to grace the senior game.
None of the Brazil squad who won the 2003 tournament, for instance, is in the squad preparing to host next year’s World Cup.
But winning another prestigious FIFA event 10 months after their African Nations Cup victory will have restored considerable pride for Africa’s most populous country.
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