The Nigerian Golden Eaglets became only the second side to retain the FIFA U-17 World Cup with a 2-0 win against Mali in Vina Del Mar. Nigeria won in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013, and now in 2015 in Chile.
Nigerian Striker, Victor Osimhen stole the show once again thanks to his record-breaking tenth goal of the tournament, with Funsho Bamgboye adding a second moments later. Samuel Diarra had saved an early Osinachi Ebere penalty as the Malians played their part in an entertaining finale to Chile 2015.
The penalty came as both sides were just finding their rhythm in the opening exchanges, with Chato, the culprit with a handball. Ebere saw his low effort saved brilliantly by Diarra, the No17’s follow up header hit the bar before a third strike was subsequently denied by the Malian defence.
The first half saw a great display of end to end football, with Golden Eaglets skipper Kelechi Nwakali hitting just wide and Boubacar Traore seeing his glancing header tipped over by Akpan Udoh.
It seemed as Coach Emmanuel Amuneke’s words were the difference as it sparked the young players to life. Osimhen shrugged off the challenge of Mamadou Fofana before hitting a spectacular half volley towards goal, which Diarra was once again denied. Udochukwu Anumudu then smashed another effort at goal, which cannoned off the crossbar and was cleared.
Substitute Chinedu Madueke’s forward play saw him set up Osimhen for his record-breaking goal, seeing him surpass the nine goals scored by Florent Sinama Pongolle in 2001 and Souleymane Coulibaly ten years later.
The holders then doubled their advantage minutes later, with Bamgboye bursting down the Nigerian left before smashing a powerful effort at goal, Diarra standing little chance.
Despite a couple of late chances for Mali, from corner kicks, Nigeria retained possession for large spells and saw the game out to retain title as world champions
