Nigeria have defeated Mexico to book a place in the FIFA U-17 World cup final.
Speaking after the match Mario Arteaga, Mexico coach said: “We know that it would be a tough game, the toughest game in this World Cup. Both teams had chances. Unfortunately we didn’t score, Nigeria did. This was the difference. But that is football. After our equaliser we thought we controlled the game but then Nigeria scored surprisingly. We wanted to reach the final but we failed. Of course the team is sad but we have to focus now on the third place match,”
Emmanuel Amuneke, Nigeria coach said: “It was a difficult match in which both teams did their best. We give credit to Mexico because of their performance and its level of play. We are happy to be in the final and have the chance to defend the world title. Mali is a good team, Africa’s champion. This is going to be an interesting challenge,”
Mexico opened scoring through Kevin Magana after dribbling four Nigerian players before burying the ball into the left side of Udoh’s goal post.
But, Kelechi Nwakali’s superb free kick in the 35th minute leveled the game for the Emmanuel Amunike’s side before Orji Okwonkwo sent a banging shot into the net of the Mexicans from the left side of the pitch, handing the defending champions a lead in the 43rd minute of the game.
Diego Cortes’ remarkable solo effort levelled gave Mexico a lifeline in the game but the high pressing Eaglets again took the lead in the 67th minute through Osinachi Ebere and Victor Osimhen’s late record-equalling penalty saw the Golden Eaglets into an all-African final against Mali.
