History: Golden Eaglets Win FIFA Under-17 World Cup

The Nigerian Golden Eaglets have won the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup tournament in United Arab Emirates.

Nigeria became the most successful team in the history of the tournament as goals from Erick Aguirre (own goal), Kelechi Iheanacho and Musa Muhammed secured a 4th title for the Golden Eaglets.

The Manu Garba boys announced their presence to the football world at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup with a convincing 6-1 victory over the same Mexican team in their opening game.

The second match was however tougher for the team as they had to come from behind twice to record a 3-3 score line against Sweden.

Next came Iraq and their Asian counterparts Iran but both could not withstand the firepower of Nigeria.

With victory over Uruguay in the quarter-finals, and a surprising 3-0 revenge over Group F foes, Sweden in the semi-final, Nigeria booked a place in the final, as well as a chance to make history against defending champions and their opening game victims, Mexico.

The 3-0 final victory has denied the Mexicans a chance to retain the trophy they won in 2011.

Worthy of note are the individual honours won by the Nigerian players. Kelechi Ihenacho unsurprisingly became the most decorated, winning the tournament’s Adidas Golden Ball Award for the overall best player, alongside the Silver Boot Award for being the second highest goal scorer.

Nigerian goalkeeper, Dele Alampasu also won the Adidas Golden Gloves Award while the entire team won the FIFA Fair Play Award.

Nigeria has now become the most successful team in FIFA Under-17 World Cup history.

Source: Channels

Publish Date: 

Friday, 8 November 2013