Defending champions, Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets were too good for their Chilean hosts on Tuesday night(Wednesday morning in Nigeria) at Estadio Sausalito Vina Del Mar, walloping them 5-1. The goal margin ought to be higher as captain Kelechi Nwakali squandered a penalty in extra time.
The Eaglets signalled the direction of the game very early when Samuel Chukwueze slotted in the first goal in less than 30 seconds. The Nigerians were remarkably quick out of the blocks, opening the scoring after 22 seconds.
Victor Osimhen, fresh from his goal in the opening game against USA, sprinted down the Nigerian left and slid the ball across the Chilean penalty area. The onrushing midfielder slammed home with ease.
With the Eaglets piling a lot of pressure, a Nigerian player was fouled inside the box on the 17th minute. The resultant penalty was clinically taken by Kelechi Nwakali, shooting Nigeria, two goals up. The scoreline remained 2-0 at half time in Nigeria’s favour.
On resumption, the Eaglets continued where they left, terrorising their opponents at will. By the 61st minute, diminutive Chukwueze recorded a brace when he scored his second goal, giving Nigeria a three-goal lead.
The fourth goal was scored at the 66th minute by Victor Osimhen, who took the second penalty of the day. Chile fought back a bit to register themselves on the scoreline. Their efforts paid off in the 81st minute, when Captain Allende scored. Three minutes, a Nigerian player, Funso Bamgboye was red carded after an unwarranted rough tackle against a Chilean player.
But the Nigerian spirit was not dampened at all as Osimhen scored Nigeria’s fifth goal with a well taken header, right in front of the Chilean goal keeper. The goal also gave Osimhen his own brace for the day.
In the extra time, Nwakali squandered an opportunity to make the scoreline 6-1 and also record a brace of his own. A Nigerian had been fouled again in the box and penalty awarded to the Nigerians. Nwakali stepped forward to take the shot, but he shot it sky-high.
With the victory over Chile, Nigeria has qualified for the Round of 16 . USA and Croatia played a 2-2 draw, making Nigeria top the table, with 6 points. Croatia comes second with 2 points, USA and Chile, one point each. Nigeria’s final opponent in the group is Croatia.
Culled from thenewsnigeria.com
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