Historic Eaglets Win World Cup For The Fourth Time

Nigeria on Friday became the most successful team in FIFA U-17 World Cup history with a 3-0 win over Mexico at the Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Nigeria beat defending champions Mexico to win the FIFA Under-17 World Cup title for the fourth time and made history by being the first country to win the junior world trophy four times.
By far the most exciting team of the tournament, the Eaglets were always the bookies favourites to emerge champions after a scintillating display that had seen them score 23 goals in six games.
The Golden Eaglets arrived in UAE boasting three title triumphs in the cadet tournament like South American powerhouse Brazil.
Nigeria were champions in 1985, 1993 and 2007, and runners-up in 1987, 2001 and 2009. But an own goal from Erick Aguirre after nine minutes followed by a tap in from Kelechi Iheanacho and Captain Musa Mohamed’s free kick helped Nigeria leapfrog Brazil, who won the competition in 1997, 1999 and 2003.
Iheanacho was the second highest scorer with six goals. Although Brazil’s Boschiilia also scored six goals, Iheanacho was rated due to his seven assists against the Brazilan’s three.
Iheanacho was voted the Most Valuable Player of the tournament, winning the Golden Ball for his efforts. Brazil’s Nathan was voted second followed by Mexico’s Ivan Ochoa in the third place.
Alampasu won the Golden Glove award. Nigeria also won the Fair Play Award. The Eaglets were the best attacking side in the competition after scoring 26 goals. Brazil were second with 19 followed by Sweden with 15. New Zealand did not score a single in the tournament.
Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan will on Sunday (tomorrow) host a grand reception for the victorious Golden Eaglets at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
This was contained in the President’s congratulatory message to the Golden Eaglets on their 3-0 triumph over Mexico in the final match of the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Soccer Championship played on Friday in Abu Dhabi.
According to the statement by presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati, the reception is in fulfillment of the President’s promise of a heroes’ welcome for the players.
“In fulfillment of his promise of a heroes’ welcome for the triumphant Golden Eaglets on their return home, President Jonathan will host a grand reception for the team at the Banquet Hall of the State House at 1900 Hours on Sunday, November 10, 2013 in appreciation of the great honour and glory they have brought to their fatherland,” the statement read.
Jonathan, on behalf of himself, the Federal Government and all Nigerians, congratulated the players on their victory for an unprecedented fourth time which he described as a glorious achievement.
He commended the young Eaglets for “the exemplary commitment, dedication, resilience, determination, patriotism and unity of purpose they displayed through-out the tournament to make Nigeria the World’s Under-17 Football Champion once again.”
The President also urged the leadership of the Nigerian Football Federation to strive to ensure that the world-conquering Eaglets, who have shown such immense potentials as youngsters, are properly nurtured, trained and developed to represent the nation at higher levels in future international football competitions.
He wished the Golden Eaglets and their coaches a safe journey home and looks forward to receiving them in Abuja on Sunday. Also, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has congratulated the team for winning the cup for a record fourth time.
Oshiomhole in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Peter Okhiria,
said, “I heartily congratulate the Eaglets for doing Nigerians proud in far away United Arab Emirates; the Eaglets displayed the can do spirit of the Nigerian, the will to excel even in the face of excruciating challenges.
“The boys represent a new generation of Nigerians whose faith in the country remain unwavering as they forged a formidable team to win the coveted trophy despite coming from different ethnic and religious backgrounds.
“I urge the authorities of the Nigerian Football Federation to keep this talented team together as the boys have the potential of even bringing greater honour to the country.
“The government and good people of Edo State give kudos to the Golden Eaglets for this great feat.”