Acting President of world football governing body, FIFA, Alhaji (Dr) Issa Hayatou has felicitated with the Nigeria Football Federation over the Golden Eaglets’ successful defence of the FIFA U-17 World Cup at Chile 2015.
In a letter dated 11th November and addressed to NFF President Amaju Pinnick, Hayatou commended the efforts of the Nigerian youngsters in retaining a title they had won for a record fourth time in the United Arab Emirates two years ago.
“On behalf of the international football family, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the Golden eaglets on retaining the FIFA U-17 World Cup crown in Chile last Sunday, a record fifth championship at this level.
“Your triumph was undoubtedly by a team effort and besides the players who performed so well, I would also like to give special mention to your Coach Emmanuel Amuneke, to the entire technical, administrative and medical team, and to all your fans.
“This victory is proof that another very exciting generation of Nigerian footballers is emerging and I am looking forward to seeing them further develop and reach even greater heights in the game.”
Newly appointed Minister of Youth & Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalong on Wednesday night, in what was his first official assignment after taking the oath of office earlier in the day, gave kudos to the Golden Eaglets for winning a record fifth FIFA U-17 World Cup at Chile 2015.
Speaking at reception organized by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports led by DG Sports, Mallam Alhassan Yakmut for the Golden Eaglets and the Scrabble World Cup-winning team at the Transcorp Hiton Hotel in Abuja, Dalong said Nigerians were happy with the Eaglets for representing the country with pride in Chile. He equally challenged administrators to be alive to their responsibilities in order to change the face of the sport sector of the economy.
“The performance of the Golden Eaglets at the World Cup has shown that success has so many fathers,” said Dalong.” If they had lost, Nigerians would have not have welcomed with love. But their victory has once again shown that sport is a universal tool for our unity because the players were picked from different places but they were united as one in Chile.
“We want to thank them and their officials for making us proud with their performance,” he stated, advising administrators to find a lasting solution to all manner of malaise, including internal wrangling, which has endangered the growth of sports in the country over the years.
NFF 1st Vice President, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi, wished the new Minister a successful tenure in office even as he reiterated the federation’s commitment to a sustainable football culture with systematic approach towards its development.
“Though many people did not give these boys a chance when they were traveling out of the country, the NFF knew they have the capacity,” noted Akinwunmi. “In truth, the victory of the team is a continuation of Nigerian football’s rich culture at the U-17 level but we are developing a systematic approach so that we can nurture them for the future.”
He affirmed the desire of the NFF at ensuring transition of players from one level to the other hence it’s decision to re-confirm Coach Amuneke as Eaglets’ Head Coach with additional responsibility of assisting coach Manu Garba at the U-20 level.
Also in attendance at the event were a host of top administrators from the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports as well as the NFF including 2nd Vice President Mallam Shehu Dikko; Alhaji Ahmad Kawu; Alhaji Ahmed Fresh; Hon. Suleiman Yahaya Kwande; Chief Felix Anyansi and; General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi.
Coach Amuneke gave the vote of thanks, calling on both Muslim and Christian sports administrators in the country to embrace God in other to discharge their duties without fear or favour and to treat equally every Nigerian irrespective of ethnic or religious differences.
FIFA U-17 World Cup record breaker, Victor Osimhen as well as Captain Kelechi Nwakali, have both paid special tribute to Golden Eaglets’ Head Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke following a record fifth title for Nigeria at the global cadet championship at Chile 2015.
Two goals by Victor Osimhen and Funsho Bamgboye saw Nigeria to glory yet again at the Estadio Sausalito Stadium in Vina del Mar on Sunday, in front of over 21,000 spectators including the NFF President Amaju Pinnick; NFF Deputy General Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme and; a pocket of Nigerian fans led by officials from Nigeria’s Embassy in Argentina who came all the way from Buenos Aires.
Osimhen’s goal broke the existing FIFA U-17 World Cup scoring record of nine goals – just three days after he equalled the nine-goal record in a single tournament previously jointly held by Frenchman Florent Sinama Pongolle and Ivorian Souleymane Coulibaly, who were top scorers at the global cadet championship at Trinidad & Tobago 2001 and Mexico 2011 respectively.
Speaking after laying his hands on the Golden Boot of Chile 2015, Osimhen thanked coach Emmanuel Amuneke for being a father figure to the players, even as he dedicated his award to his sister who gave birth to a baby girl on Friday.
VINA DEL MAR, CHILE – NOVEMBER 08: Kelechi Nwakali (R) of Nigeria poses with the adidas bronze boot and team mate Victor Osimhen of Nigeria poses with the adidas golden boot after the FIFA U-17 Men’s World Cup 2015 final match between Mali and Nigeria at Estadio Sausalito on November 8, 2015 in Vina del Mar, Chile. (Photo by Martin Rose – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
“I want to thank coach Amuneke again for what he has impacted in us and I’m also grateful to my teammates who helped me to break the record,” said the teenager who was also voted as the second best player of the tournament behind Nwakali. “The Golden Boot is also dedicated to my sister who just had a baby girl.”
Nwakali, who was rewarded with the adidas Golden Ball and the Second
Runner Up of the adidas Golden Boot, said apart from God, Coach Amuneke was the architect of the team’s success: “Coach Amuneke is more than a coach to us. He is a father and I want to thank him so much. It is always the dream of every young player to win the World Cup and we are happy that he has helped us to achieve this glory.”
Several records were set and even broken as the Nigerian Under 17 national team defeated fellow African brothers Mali in the final of the FIFA Under 17 World Cup, Chile 2015.
The Golden Eaglets qualified for the World Cup in Chile as the fourth Best African Team, regardless of the fact that they were defending champions. Tutored by former Super Eagles And Fc Barcelona forward Emmanuel Amuneke the Nigerian Lads played a brand of football that was eye-candy.
The highlight of the first half was the Penalty save by Malian Goalkeeper Samuel Diarra from a Osinachi Ebere Penalty Kick, subsequent rebounds were blocked by the Malian defence and the bar.
The First Half ended goalless but Golden Eaglets came out guns blazing in the second half. Top Striker for the Eaglets And Tournament highest goal scorer Victor Osimhen Wrote his name in goal when he got the first goal of the final to become the highest goal scorer of all time at the Under 17 level when he scored his first of the game and the tenth of the tournament.
This was enough to guarantee him the Adidas Golden booth award, Funsho Bamboye put the icing on the cake when he scored the second goal of the game to pile pressure on the Malians who fought gallantly but just didn’t have what it takes to go toe to toe with the Nigerians.
The final blast of the whistle only meant that Nigeria had now set a record of five FIFA Under 17 World Cup Victories and this was the first under 17 trophy that Nigeria would win on a different continent having won a four previous trophies had been won in Asia.
Golden Eaglets Coach Emmanuel Amuneke
The Spectacular display of the Golden Eaglets Also saw them cart away individual awards, As captain of the side Nwakali got the Adidas Bronze booth. Nwakali was also named the Most Valuable player of the tournament ahead of top scorer Osimhen who was awarded the Silver ball as the second most valuable player of the FIFA Chile 2015.
Its Been a very successful outing for the Nigerian team in Chile and Kudos most go Coach Emanuel Amuneke and his backroom staff for this wonderful display, perhaps this crop of extremely talented players might break the hoodoo for the Nigerians at the next FIFA Under 20 world Cup.
Coach Emmanuel Amuneke has said that the Final Match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015 between Nigeria and Mali is good advertisement for African football.
On Sunday, the two West African sides will clash at the Estadio Sausalito in Vina del Mar in what is only the second –ever All-African final, since Nigeria and Ghana clashed in Japan 22 years ago, with the Eaglets winning 2-1.
Both Nigeria and Mali have flown the continent’s flag with pride en route to Sunday’s final and Amuneke enthused it would be a great day for African football yet again in Vina del Mar.
“African football has developed over the years and playing against Mali in the final of Chile 2015 shows that Africa is strong at this level,” Amuneke noted at the post match conference in Concepción after Golden Eaglets’ 4-2 win over Mexico.
The Golden Eaglets had in the run-up enjoyed favourable results at Estadio Sausalito in Vina del Mar where they crushed Chile 5-1 in their second group phase match, annihilated Australia 6-0 in the second round and battered Brazil 3-0 in the quarter final.
“On Sunday, we would give a good account of ourselves in Vina del Mar which has been a good venue for us,” the former Barcelona winger explained.”The fans all over Chile have been friendly but we have a special feeling playing in Vina del Mar where we have many fans.”
Golden Eaglets Coach Emmanuel Amuneke
Yet, Amuneke was not oblivious of the challenges ahead, adding Mali whowere crowned champions at the African U-17 Nations Cup in March are avery strong side. Incidentally, both countries did not meet in Niger Republic but the Eaglets can draw huge inspiration from their last encounters at the 2014 WAFU B Tournament in Togo where Amuneke–led Eaglets beat Mali twice with an identical 2-0 score-line.
“Yes, we met Mali in Togo but that was a long time,” recalled Eaglets attacking midfielder, Orji Okwonkwo who scored a goal each against the Malians on April 21st and 23rd, 2014. “The final on Sunday will be special and we pray that God bless us with victory.”
FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015 top marksman, Victor Osimhen is unfazed about the prospect of breaking the Championship’s nine-goal record.
The bean-pole striker on Thursday equaled the long standing record of nine goals in a single tournament jointly held by Frenchman Florent Sinama Pongolle and Ivorian Souleymane Coulibaly who were top scorers at the global cadet championship at Trinidad & Tobago 2001 and Mexico 2011 respectively.
“I’m happy that I was able to match the record set by others in the past but that was never my ambition here,” said Osimhen, on the books of Lagos Ultimate Strikers.”The most important thing is for us to win the trophy on Sunday and that would be the greatest achievement for us.”
Osimhen opened his Chile 2015 tally with a goal in the 2-0 win over the USA on the opening day. He continued with a brace in the 5-1 defeat of host Chile and was also Nigeria’s scorer in the 2-1 loss to Croatia in the group phase. He was also in superb form at the commencement of the knockout stage by grabbing the first hat trick of Chile 2015 in the crushing 6-0 defeat of Australia in Round 16.
Osimhen followed up his act with a goal each in the 3-0 and 4-2 wins over Brazil and Mexico respectively in the quarter and semifinals to solidify his position as the Chile 2015 Golden Boot Award hot –shot.
The atmosphere in the Golden Eaglets’ locker room soon after they beat Mexico 4-2 on Thursday at the Estadio Municipal Ester Roa was ecstatic and on hand to share the momentous occasion was NFF President Amaju Pinnick, who sang and danced but was quick to refocus the history-chasing Coach Emmanuel Amuneke-led side.
“Today, you convinced Nigerians you are the best and I want to thank you on behalf of Nigerians especially, President Muhammadu Buhari, for playing your hearts out and truly demonstrating the never-say-die Nigerian spirit,” he said amidst intermittent thunderous ovation.
“I’m extremely happy for Emmanuel (Amuneke) because he, along with other officials, have demonstrated that they are good fathers to you all and I’m glad that I was able to withstand the pressure to sack him when the team failed to win the African Championship trophy in Niger Republic.
“Here in Chile, Emmanuel has shamed all the doubting Thomases but I don’t want you to forget that the most important match is against Mali on Sunday. This is a life -time opportunity for you to write your names in gold and you know how appreciative our country can be to winners and heroes. Sunday is the day to write your names into the history books,” Pinnick noted.
Meanwhile, Coach Amuneke, at the post match conference, stated matter-of-factly that African U-17 champions, Mali who came from
behind to beat Belgium 3-1 in the other semi final match on Thursday, would be a tough nut to crack.
Pinnick challenges Eaglets to go for Cup
History will be made on Sunday with the second all-African FIFA U-17 World Cup final since 1993, when Nigeria beat Ghana 2-1 at Japan ’93, and Amuneke posited: “The Malians are the African champions, and we have to respect them. Aside that, they have also had a great tournament here in Chile. But we are a team that finds a way to play and function no matter the difficulty posed by the opposition.”
The 1994 African Footballer of the Year added: “When Sunday comes, we are going to play Mali and I think it is going to be an interesting match but we want to enjoy this moment because this was a great match against a very strong Mexican team .We thank God, we are going to play the final again on Sunday and this gives us the opportunity to defend the trophy we won in 2013.”
Golden Eaglets’ prolific scorer, Victor Osimhen has equaled the long-standing FIFA U-17 World Cup scoring record of nine goals in a tournament following his goal in the 4-2 defeat of Mexico on Thursday at the Estadio Municipal in Concepción.
The record was previously jointly held by Frenchman Florent Sinama Pongolle and Ivorian Souleymane Coulibaly who were top scorers at the global cadet championship at Trinidad & Tobago 2001 and Mexico 2011 respectively.
At Chile 2015, Osimhen had earlier achieved a rare feat of equaling the seven- goal scoring record earlier achieved by the likes of Nigeria’s Macauley Chrisantus (2007); Spain’s David (1997); Ghana’s Ismael Addo (1999) and Sweden’s Berisha (2013).
FIFA u17 wc 2015 offical mascot
Osimhen, who is Golden Eaglets leading scorer going into Chile 2015 with a remarkable 41 goals in 73 international and domestic matches, opened his Chile 2015 account with a goal in the 2-0 win over the USA on the opening day. He continued with a brace in the 5-1 defeat of host Chile and was also Nigeria’s scorer in the 2-1 loss to Croatia to round off the group phase. He was also in superb form at the commencement of the knockout stage, by grabbing the first hat trick of Chile 2015 in the crushing 6-0 defeat of Australia in Round 16 and he followed up his act with a goal each in the 3-0 and 2-1 win against Brazil and Mexico respectively in the quarter and semi finals.
With the final match yet to be played, Osimhen is now on the threshold of history to break the record of most goals in a single tournament at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
NFF President Amaju Pinnick was in ecstacy on Thursday night after the Golden Eaglets defeated hard–fighting Mexico 4-2 in Concepcion to reach the final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015.
Pinnick barely had time to catch his breath from a long trip that took him from London to Buenos Aires and Santiago before arriving in Concepcion. But he was on time to meet the team at the Diego de Almagro Hotels before they set out to the Estadio Municipal Ester Roa.
“I’m very excited, not only with the result, but the way the boys came fighting back after that early goal by Mexico. I keep saying that we have the potential to be world champions in several areas of endeavour.
“These boys have done Nigeria proud. They will go up against Mali on Sunday with great confidence and discipline, and emerge victorious.”
Mexico hit fast and hard as the Eaglets again chose to sit back and soak the pressure in the opening minutes. Magana struck past the brilliant Akpan Udoh in the 8th minute for Mexico’s opener, drawing the Eaglets out.
Captain Kelechi Nwakali drew Nigeria level with a brilliant free–kick with 10 minutes to the end of first 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).
Before the match, Pinnick had again commended the Golden Eaglets for their exemplary conduct at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, as he met Head Coach Emmanuel Amuneke, players and other officials. In attendance also was NFF Deputy General Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme and Assistant Director (Technical) Siji Lagunju.
“Nigerians are happy with all of you because you have represented us well and I’m personally proud of you,” said Pinnick. “I don’t want you to forget that anything you are doing is for our great country, Nigeria.
“Thirty years ago, we won this trophy when President Muhammadu Buhari was the military Head of State and it would be a great thing if we can do it again when he is now the civilian President.”
The NFF President once again heaped encomiums on Coach Amuneke, advising the players to draw inspiration from his leadership quality both on and off the field.
Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, Emannuel Amuneke and Amaju Pinnick in Concepcion, Chile
“Your coach has proved that he indeed played for FC Barcelona; that he indeed is a legend of Nigerian football and a worthy African Footballer of the Year for that matter,” he said. “We want you to pay attention to his instructions and know that over 170 Million Nigerians are behind and supporting you.”
He said the occasion was not for talking and the NFF would soon unfold programme and agenda towards keeping these players for future assignments after Chile 2015.
On Sunday in Vina del Mar, Nigeria will be looking for a record extending fifth FIFA U-17 World Cup title, and Osimhen will be looking to set the tournament’s goals record.
NFF President Amaju Pinnick will be with the Golden Eaglets when they take on Mexico in the FIFA U-17 World Cup semi finals on Thursday.
The NFF boss departed on Monday evening, following the Eaglets’ 3-0 thrashing of three –time winners Brazil in the quarter -finals on Sunday.
“I am very excited with the way the team has played so far, raising our country’s flag very high. The Head Coach (Emmanuel Amuneke) has shown tremendous maturity and has managed the team and everything around it brilliantly.
“Amuneke is the kind of person you would naturally recommend for higher responsibilities. He has clearly rubbished all insinuations and dark innuendoes against him and has continued to do a marvelous job quietly. He has earned his respect.”
Golden Eaglets
The Eaglets take on Mexico’s U-17 at the 30,000 –capacity Estadio Municipal Ester Roa in Concepcion, with the prospect of a second –ever all-African final looming large in the South American nation.
Mean and miserly (in terms of goals conceded so far – only one) Mali take on Belgium (the only European team left in contention) in Vina del Mar, which will has become a home of sort to the Golden Eaglets and will host Sunday’s final.
Mali and Belgium play the first semi final, starting from 5pm (9pm Nigeria time), before the Nigeria, Mexico clash that will again kick off at midnight in Nigeria.
On Monday, NFF Deputy General Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme arrived in Chile to join the high–flying Golden Eaglets.
Nigeria’s Under 17 football team the Golden Eaglets yesterday qualified for the Semi-finals of the ongoing FIFA Under 17 World Cup Cup in Chile by walloping South America Giants Brazil 3-0.
The Emmanuel Amuneke tutored Lads did the business in the first half as they went on a 10 minute goal scoring spree.
The Brazilians were the first to create a chance but filed to score and they paid the ultimate price. Tournament Top Goal Scorer Victor Osimhen scored his first headed goal at the tournament to take his personally tally to 8 goals, Florent Sinama-Pongolle’s record of nine obviously seems to be threatened.
And hardly had the South Americans settle down before Nigeria’s Kingsley Michael and Udochukwu Anumudu put their names on the scorer’s sheet, that was all the African team needed to make it to the next stage of the tournament.
Nigeria has now made it to the Semi-finals a record 8th times winning the trophy four times.
The Battle between the Best defensive team (Brazil) and the best offensive team (Nigeria) lived up to its billing as it did produced sparks and all the thrills and frills a game of such magnitude should have.
A last gasp effort by the Brazilian lads to scored a consolation goal via a well struck free-kick was thwarted by Nigeria’s Goalkeeper Udoh who Produced a fine save to keep clean sheet.
The Nigerians have been joined in the final four by fellow Africans Mali who conquered Croatia the only team to have defeated the Nigerian in Chile. The Malians won a by a lone goal from Sekou Koita via an Assist from Sidiki Maiga and already there is talk of an all-African affair in the finals if both sides can overcome their Semi-finals opponents.
…To face Brazil in the Quarter-finals on Sunday 1st of November 2015
The Golden Eaglets seemed determined to compensate Nigerians for the disjointed display against Croatia in the last group game and this is exactly what they did.
Vina Del Mar was the setting for this epic battle and the Eaglets showed just how serious they were with two first half goals against the Australians.
Funsho Bamgboye Who missed the Croatian game due to suspension might have been the missing link in that last group game as his presence really made the difference, but that’s no to take anything away from the hero of the day Victor Osimhen who scored a hat-trick to confirm his place as the top scorer of this tournament so far.
Osimhen Scored the first goal in the 22nd minute from a solo effort, before captain Keleci Nwakali scored from the penalty spot after Bamgboye was brought down in the Area.
The First half ended 2-0 in favour of the Nigerian Lads and Osimhen increased the tally with two goals to complete his hat-trick and bring nigeria’s tally to 4.
Edidiong Essien, and the enterprising Samuel Chukwueze also got on the score sheet to set up a quarter final date with Brazil On Sunday the 1st of November at the Estadio Sausalito Vina Del Mar, Chile, Kick-off time is 4pm Local time, and that will be 20:00 hours Nigeria time, the Brazilians had earlier defeated New Zealand by a lone goal to qualify for the Quarter-finals.
Sunday’s match will pit the Tournament’s highest goal scorer Victor Osimhen who has scored 7 goals against the tournaments top Goalkeeper Juliano who has made 15 saves.
Speaking after the round of sixteen tie Nigeria’s coach Emmanuel Amuneke said: “It was a very interesting match. We knew that Australia was a good team because they qualified from a very difficult group, but my players were able to recuperate from the loss against Croatia and regained their level. Victor (Osimhen) had a great game, although the philosophy of this team is to play collectively. We are candidates to win the title, but so are Brazil. We will work to put up a good fight,”
COQUIMBO, CHILE – OCTOBER 23: Luka Ivanusec of Croatia challenges Samuel Chukwueze of Nigeria during the FIFA U-17 World Cup Group A match between Croatia and Nigeria at Estadio Francisco Sanchez Rumoroso on October 23, 2015 in Coquimbo, Chile. (Photo by Robert Cianflone – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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