GOLDEN EAGLETS CRUISE TO A 3-0 WIN OVER SWEDEN

Nigeria were made to work for their 3-0 semi-final win over Sweden in Dubai, a result that sends them to the final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Taiwo Awoniyi scored his third goal in two games to help send the Golden Eaglets through to the final, where they will meet Mexico in another Group F rematch.

The game started at a tremendous pace, both sides carving out half-chances inside the first 60 seconds. After the initial frenzy of attacks cooled, the pattern of play became clear. The Nigerians pressed forward in waves, trying to pin Sweden back and cut off the supply lines to foraging striker Valmir Berisha.

The Africans were far more dangerous in the first half and they got the goal their dominance deserved after just 21 minutes. It was the same combination that produced both goals in the quarter-final win over Uruguay as Kelechi Iheanacho – one of the best players here in UAE – pushed the ball up through midfield and chipped in a looping pass for Awoniyi, who hardly had to break stride before pummeling past Sixten Mohlin for his third goal in two games. 

They got their 2nd and 3rd goals inside the last ten minutes. Samuel Okon cut in from the left and hammered his shot low and inside the post to end Sweden’s dream. It was all over even before Chidera Ezeh added a third seconds later to make it 3-0 and send Nigeria to the final, where they will be pressing hard for their fourth title against Mexico who had earlier won against Argentina in the other semi-Final match played.