The Nigeria’s Under-17 team the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria on Sunday beat their Brazilian counterpart 3-0 in their quarter final match.All three goals were scored in the first half.
Victor Osimeh put the Eaglets ahead in the 29th minute and it took less than a minute for Kingsley Dogo Michael to double the lead.
With two goals within a minute, the Eaglets were able to play some good football and in the process damaging their opponents’ confidence.
Udochukwu Anumudu made it 3-0 in the 34th minute to complete a dream first half that saw them scoring three goals in the space of five minutes.
The Brazilians fought hard in the second half for a possible comeback but all efforts were futile as the Nigerian boys remained well organised.
Nigeria’s U17 national team coach Emmanuel Amuneke praised his players for a great game against Brazil whom they defeated 3-0 Sunday night to reach the semi-finals of the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup in Chile.
The Golden Eaglets Coach Emmanuel Amuneke praised his boys for their hard work, tenacity and tranquility under pressure.
He said, “Is not like we scored three goals and that was it. Before that, our side had 15 very good minutes, when they moved the ball around as we knew they could.
“You have to give credit to my kids, who were tranquil and kept their cool to deal with the Brazil pressure and then scored at the right time.
“For them, to beat Brazil is a big confidence boost. We still have a long way to the title, though” .
But the Brazil’s coach Carlos Amadeu blames it all on goal drought.
Brazil seemed to be the side likely to score first but they met a resolute Nigerian side that grew into the game and scored three first half goals.
“We knew it was important for us to make the most of our opportunities, especially if we dominated the game at some point, but we didn’t.
“Their (Nigeria’s) goals were scored in only five minutes because of specific chances, not because we were not balanced. We would like to have put Nigeria behind on the scoreboard, but we failed to score.””
The four-time world champions will play the winners of Monday’s quarterfinal between Mexico and Ecuador for a place in the championship final in Chile.
The semi-final will be at Concepcion on Thursday.
