Eaglets edge out South Africa, gets closer to under-17 World Cup ticket
By Uzor Odigbo
Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets are one win away from qualifying for this year’s men’s FIFA Under 17 World cup.
Eaglets come from 1-2 behind to a 3-2 win over South Africa’s Amajimbos in one of Saturdays last group B games that took the Nigerian lads to the quarter final of the ongoing CAF U17 AFCON in Algeria.
The quarter final AFCON win came with huge scares for Nigeria as South Africa took a surprise opening lead in the 7th minute through Vicky Mkhawana before Charles Agara equalised for the Eaglets on 34 minutes.
Man of the Match award winner Siyabonga Mabena fired the South Africans in front again on 45 minutes to close out first half proceedings.
Whatever coach Nduka Ugbade told his lads during the break worked magic instantly as the Eaglets pulled level on 47mins midfield sensation Light Eke finishing off after a brilliant move by Charles Agara.
The equalising goal steadied the Nigerian boys who exerted more control with a high volume of one touch football to the admiration of few supporters of the West African nation based in Constantine, Algeria.
The wining goal arrived in the 65th minute via the effervescent Abubakar Abdulahi who made it 3-2 for Nigeria to ensure progress to the next stage of the competition where the Eaglets will face runners up from group C in Thursday’s matchup
As Nigeria tackle their yet to be decided quarter final opponents on Thursday 11 May, only semifinalists in the AFCON tournament are guaranteed places in the world cup scheduled for 10 November to 2 December this year