Head Coach of the U-23 National Team, Samson Siasia has invited four members of the FIFA U-17 World Cup – winning Golden Eaglets to the camp of the Dream Team in preparation for this month’s Africa U-23 Cup of Nations in Senegal.
According to Coach Siasia, who already secured the approval of the NFF for the invitation of the youngsters, the invited players are skipper of the side, Kelechi Nwakali, tournament’s Top Scorer Victor Osimhen, and the two wing-backs John Lazarus and Udochukwu Anumudu.
Siasia Samson Nigeria U23 Coach credit fifa.com
Speaking on the qualities that made him invite them, Siasia said: “I have been monitoring the progress of these boys while the team was being built by my brother, Emmanuel Amunike. Don’t forget we were in the same hotel and used the same pitch to train and I have been impressed with what I saw them do in Chile, so I think what I just did was rewarding them for a job well done.
“Their invitation is only to tell other players that they too can progress to the senior cadre if they are level headed and keep working on their game. For me age is not a factor; if they can give me what I want, then they will be part of my team to Senegal. But they must justify their invitation for no player in my team has automatic shirt.”
Siasia added that he has with the approval of the NFF given the four invited players one week to rest with their families before joining up with the rest of the squad in Gambia where the team will be putting finishing touches to its preparations for Senegal.
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.
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.
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.
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)
Coach Emmanuel Amuneke Friday night gave his wards the hairdryer treatment following their shoddy 2-1 loss to Croatia in their last group phase match at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015 at Estadio Francisco Sanchez Rumoroso in Coquimbo.
The Golden Eaglets lost the initiative despite racing to a first half lead courtesy Victor Osimhen’s goal in the 20th minute goal only for Croatia to score twice in the second half through Josip Brekalo and Karlo Majic in the 50th and 54th minutes respectively.
Moments after the match, Amuneke told the Eaglets inside the locker room matter-of-factly that their poor performance against the Europeans was totally unacceptable, even as he challenged them to an improved performance in subsequent matches.
“This is the World Cup and we can’t play as bunch of friends and expect to win,” rapped the former Barcelona winger.”We refused to play today and our body language was so disappointing and unprofessional.
“We thank God we are already through to the next round and that means we have to redouble our efforts and prepare well for our next game on Wednesday,” he noted.
Speaking further at the post-match conference, Amuneke said the Croats deserved their victory, explaining the Golden Eaglets were a shadow of the team that earlier beat USA 2-0 and Chile 5-1.
He said “Both teams came with the objective of winning but unfortunately, our boys did not raise their game even right from the first half.
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)
“Though we missed two key players due to two yellow cards and a red card, Croatia played well and deserved to win.”
He said the team would prepare better for future challenges starting with the Round of 16 on Wednesday, adding the Golden Eaglets would be at the ready as all errors committed against Croatia would be corrected.
Meanwhile, the Golden Eaglets departed Coquimbo Saturday afternoon for Vina de Mar where they will play the third -placed team from Group C, D or E on Wednesday.
Coach Emmanuel Amuneke has warned his wards to expect a dogfight against Chile in their second match at the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015 at the Sausalito Stadium in Vina del Mar on Tuesday.
The Golden Eaglets on Monday morning trained at the Enap Oil Company Training Centre in Con-Con district of the beautiful city where all the 21 players were involved to perfect strategy for the match.
“Tomorrow’s match against Chile is a crucial game and you must expect a dog fight,” hinted Amuneke. “But we must approach the match with discipline and responsibility; we must be ready to fight for 90 minutes.”
World football ruling body, FIFA has named officials for the match with Ruddy Buquet as the centre referee. The 38-year-old Frenchman has been a full international for FIFA since 2011. Others listed for the match that would be watched by a capacity crowd also
include Buquet’s compatriots Guillaume Debart and Gringore Cyril as assistant referees while the fourth official is Abdulrahman Al-Jassim of Qatar.
Meanwhile, Golden Eaglets will yet again don white jerseys against Chile as they did inSaturday’s 2-0 win against the USA. The only slight change in the team’s dressing on Tuesday would be that of the goalkeepers who will swap their yellow gear for black top, short and socks. In the same vein, host Chile would swap their white jerseys for their famous red and blue colours while their goalkeepers will dorn yellow attire.
The Group A matches at Estadio Sausalito in Vina Del Mar on Tuesday would start at 5:00pm local time (9:00pm in Nigeria) between USA and Croatia while Nigeria’s Eaglets face Chile at8:00pm local time(12:00 midnight in Nigeria).
Meanwhile, Golden Eaglets’ striker, Victor Osimhen will be available for selection against Chile on Tuesday after recovering fully from the knock that earned American Auston Trusty a red card in Saturday’s 2-0 victory at Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos in Santiago. The 1.85m striker has been involved in training sessions since the team arrived Vina del Mar on Sunday and is expected to lead the Golden Eaglets’ charge for goals against Chile.
Golden Eaglets Coach Emmanuel Amuneke
Osimhen has revealed why he went on all fours before Coach Emmanuel Amuneke after he grabbed Nigeria’s second goal in the 2-0 win against the USA. “I prostrated before Coach Amuneke because of what he actually told me before we left the dressing room for the pitch against USA; because that was the first time he said such thing to me,” said the energetic striker who scored four of the Golden Eaglets’ seven goals at the African U-17 Nations Cup in Niger Republic last February.
“Coach told me: ‘Victor, I trust you and I know you will score’ and that really touched me. So, after I scored, I did that to appreciate him for all what he has done to make me a better player.”
Osimhen has been a sensation for the Golden Eaglets after opening his goal scoring account with a brace against Ibadan –based side, SRDH Football Club on June 8, 2014; and has maintained a remarkable
consistency leading to his 42nd in all competitions against the USA in the FIFA U-17 World Chile 2015 opener.
Golden Eaglets Head coach, Emmanuel Amuneke has described Saturday’s 2-0 win over the United States of America as a morale booster for the players in the quest to successfully defend the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Chukwudi Agor and Victor Osimhen gave Nigeria a winning start courtesy of two second half goals against the Americans at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015.
“The victory today against the USA was important for us and I want to congratulate the boys for making Nigerians happy,” Amuneke told thenff.com
He continued: “They (players) were tentative in the first 20 minutes and this was expected because it was the first time they were playing at a big stage such as the World Cup but it was important we won the first game since it would boost our confidence going into the next game against host Chile; so we are happy but will continue to work harder.
“Today’s victory against the USA is for Nigerians especially for many who stayed up late to watch the match,” stated the former African Footballer of the Year who refrained from praising the goal scorers against USA.”It is the job of all the players to do their respective jobs in the interest of the team. We want to play and win as a team and collectively, we want to work in order to achieve our overall objective at this tournament.”
Golden Eaglets Coach Emmanuel Amuneke
Meanwhile, midfielder Chukwudi Agor has described his goal and indeed the opening goal in Group A at Chile 2015 against the USA, as very important for his budding career. It was Agor’s second goal for the national U-17 side after he grabbed the winner in the 2-1 win over Brazil at the Suwon U-17 Tournament in September.
“I’m happy that I scored today,” said Agor, which means ‘gift from God’ in Ibo dialectic.”I’m dedicating the goal to my sister, Oluchi.”
The Golden Eaglets will, in the meantime, hit the road on Sunday for Vina del Mer where they will play host Chile at the 24,000 Capacity Estadio Sausalito on Tuesday.
Head Coach Emmanuel Amuneke has selected the 21 players who will represent Nigeria at the 16th FIFA U-17 World Cup to be hosted in Chile between October 17 and November 8.
Speaking to thenff.com, Amuneke described his list as very exciting and was confident the players would fly the country’s flag very well in Chile.
“The World Cup is here and we have picked the best players for this assignment to represent our country,” said the former African Footballer of the Year.“ We have brought in new players to add value to the team that secured the ticket for Chile at the last African U-17 Nations Cup in Niger Republic and we believe this crop of players would give their best in Chile, as we are the defending champions.”
Team captain Kelechi Nwakali, as well as strikers Victor Osimhen and Ebere Osinachi, who were in the team that secured the country’s World Cup ticket at the African U-17 Nations Cup in Niger in February made the final list for the competition Nigeria won in 1985, 1993, 2007 and 2013.
Also picked from the squad that came fourth in Niger 2015 were seven other players including goalkeepers Akpan Udoh and Amos Benjamin, defenders Halilu Lukman and Lazarus John, midfielder Kingsley Michael and strikers Orji Okonkwo and Samuel Chukwueze.
Midfielder Chinedu Madueke and Sunday Alimi as well as goalkeeper Chisom Chiaha who failed to make the Niger 2015 squad were also picked for Chile 2015.
New faces in the team are defenders David Enogela, Ibe Tobechukwu and Ejike Ikwu. Funsho Bamgboye, Chukwudi Agor, Joel Osikel, Edidiong Essien and Udochukwu Anumudu complete the list.
The Golden Eaglets would have the honour of playing the opening match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup against the United States of
America on October 17 at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago. The Eaglets’ other Group A matches against host Chile and Croatia would be played on October 20 and 23 respectively.
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