Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets have emerged champions of the Fifa Under-17 World Cup in Chile after defeating Mali 2-0. The Cup triumph means that the Nigerians have successfully defended the title they won two years ago in the UAE. Two quickfire second half goals from Victor Osimhen and Funsho Bamgboye ensured that Emmanuel Amuneke’s men cruised to victory as Nigeria claimed their fifth world title at under-17 level. The defending champions were always second best when it came to the second balls as the Malians looked quicker in winning the ball in such battles.
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. It is the first time that the Nigerians are winning the title outside of the Asian continent. Their previous successes have been in China in 1985, Japan in 1993, Korea Republic in 2007 and UAE in 2013.
Adidas Golden Ball
- Kelechi Nwakali (Nigeria)
- Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
- Ahly Malle (Mali)
Adidas Golden Boot
- Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
- Johannes Eggestein (Germany)
- Kelechi Nwakali (Nigeria)
Adidas Golden Glove
- Samuel Diarra (Mali)
Fair Play Award
- Ecuador
Did You Know???
- Nigeria is a member of both the British Commonwealth and the African Union.
- The currency of Nigeria is called the Naira.
- The Benue River and the Niger River (which the country was named after) are the largest rivers in Nigeria, they join and empty into the large Niger Delta.
- Football (soccer) is popular in Nigeria, the national team known as the “Super Eagles” have made 5 appearances at the World Cup.
- Abuja is the Capital of Nigeria.
