Defending champions Nigeria and impressive outsiders Mali overcame Mexico and Belgium respectively in the semi-finals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015 to advance to the final.
The Golden Eaglets defeated Mexico 4-2 while another African country, Mali beat Belgium 3-1 to set stage for an all-African final.
Captain Kelechi Nwakali drew Nigeria level with a brilliant free –kick with 10 minutes to the endfirst half. But there was still time for Orji Okonkwo to rifle past the Mexican goalie in the 43rd minute for one of the goals of the tournament.
Mexico drew level on the hour mark as defender Diego Cortes sliced through the Nigerian defence as if it were not there. But Osinachi Ebere got on the end of a magnificent pass by Nwakali to restore Nigeria’s lead in the 67th minute, as the goalkeeper helped his close range shot into the net.
Victor Osimhen got his ninth goal of the tournament from the penalty spot after the lively right back John Lazarus was upended in the Mexican box, Osimhen thus equaled the tournament record of nine goals (by Sinima Pongolle of France in 2001 and Soulemany Coulibaly of Cote d’Ivoire in 2011).
