The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria Tuesday evening put up a classic display against Sweden in the semi-final of the 5th Fifa U17 World Cup soccer tournament in the United Arab Emirates, winning by 3 goals to nil to qualify for the final.
The Nigerians put up a mix of Dutch style total football and Brasilian jogo bonito, with spread-out play, quick and accurate tip-tap passes , superlative ball skills, overlapping defenders, power, speed, co-ordination stamina and strikes on goal coming from defenders, mid-fielders, and attackers .
The Eaglets opened the score in the 21st minute through a beautiful strike from Taiwo Awoniyi. They then created a bunch of scoring chances in the second half, but were a bit unlucky in the finishing and tended to shoot from too far out.
In a bid to equalise, the Swedes came out like wounded lions in the second half, with pace co-ordination and creative attacks on the Nigerian defence.
After 75 minutes , the Eaglets again came into the game and took control of play, exposing the weakness of their opponents.
Coach Garba Manu’s boys soon doubled the score in the 80th minute from a fine display from left back Samuel Okon.
Chidera Ezeh sealed the victory for the Eaglets in the 81st minute.
Both teams played a 3-3 draw during their second group game at the Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium.
Earlier in the day, defending champions Mexico, defeat Argentina by a similar scoreline in the first semi-final played.
The African side is the leading goal scoring team with 23 goals in seven matches, conceding just five, of which three came in a draw with Sweden in a group match.
The Golden Eaglets battle the reigning champions Mexico in Friday’s final as they seek a record fourth title.
