Wednesday morning victory signaled the beginning of the second round of the group-stage matches of the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015, were Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets emerged as the first team to qualify for the knockout stages. It was a day of breakthrough achievements all round, such as the first goal from a free-kick and the fastest goal of the tournament so far. The win over Chile shut Nigeria into the Round of 16.
A goal within 30 seconds by star man Samuel Chukwueze set the tone for a straight forward win.
The Chileans were no match for an impressive Nigeria side, who struck twice in the early stages at the Estadio de Sausalito stadium. The tournament defending champions continued to press forward, eventually running out 5-1 winners against the host, despite tremendous support from the home crowd, the Chileans struggled to compete with the defending champions.
The African side were remarkably quick out of the blocks, opening the scoring after 22 seconds. Victor Osimhen, fresh from his goal in the opening game against USA, sprinted down the Nigerian left and slid the ball across the Chilean penalty area. The onrushing midfielder slammed home with ease.
Despite Bamgboye’s late dismissal, for a rash challenge, Nigeria rallied and Osimhen grabbed his third of the tournament in two games. Nwakali then missed his chance to double his own tally for the game from the penalty spot, after Chukwueze had been fouled for a third time.
It did not matter though, as Nigeria made it to the last 16, with Chile set to face USA in a pivotal final clash back at the Estadio Sausalito on Friday.
Korea Republic, meanwhile, left it extremely late against a profligate Guinea, advancing to the Round of 16 courtesy of a stoppage-time strike from Oh Sehun.
Speaking after the game, Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, said his boys played according to instructions.
“It is true we were effective up front, but we also knew how to block their passing game, forcing them to play uncomfortably in the midfield, said Amuneke.
“My players understood the transition game, that is when to attack, when to defend. We also prepared them mentally for this game; it is not easy to play against the host. Chile has a good team, but today they lost against the best team.”
Although the Eaglets were good, they still need to play with greater composure and maturity.
Amuneke and his young lads should not allow the victory against Chile to get into them; the Eaglets are not there yet.
Also, the pressure of winning the fifth FIFA U-17 World Cup should not elude the team, having won it four times in previous editions.
A more tactical side would expose the lapses at the back and the midfield. Nigeria needs to go back to the drawing board and work on set pieces and correct other tactical lapses seen in the first two games.
The positives is that the team is developing into a solid unit, Amuneke should get the boys ready for the next round with more mental and physical preparedness. Discipline is also vital, especially when the team is under pressure.
Amuneke should also rest some players and showcase the other talents on his bench against Croatia. Wishing Emmanuel Amunike and his young wards the very best. UP NIGERIA
Anthony Nlebem
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