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Nigeria became only the second side to
retain the FIFA U-17 World Cup with a 2-0
win against Mali in Vina Del Mar. 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, 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 bite of the
cherry was blocked by the Malian defence.
Both sides had chances in a tense opening
period, with Golden Eaglets skipper Kelechi
Nwakali hitting just wide and Boubacar
Traore seeing his glancing header tipped
over by Akpan Udoh.
The second half saw the game burst into
life, with Emmanuel Amuneke's words
clearly working their magic on the Nigerian
youngsters. Osimhen shrugged off the
challenge of Mamadou Fofana before
hitting a wonderful dipping half volley
towards goal, which Diarra spectacularly
saved. Udochukwu Anumudu then
smashed a thunderous effort at goal, which
rebounded back off the crossbar and was
cleared away.
Mali did not heed those warnings. Good
approach play by substitute Chinedu
Madueke saw him tee 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 doubled their advantage mere
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 their crown. The jubilant
scenes on the final whistle in Vina Del Mar
will surely live long in the memories of
these Nigerian heroes of the present, some
of whom may just become the stars of the
future.
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