U-17 World Cup: Wasteful Eaglets Losses Last Group Match to Australia

Wasteful Golden Eaglets on Friday night lost their final group stage game at the FIFA U-17 world cup to Australia.

After coming from behind to win their first two group games, Nigerian under 17 side failed to replicate their previous game trend losing to Australia by 2 goals to 1

The Golden Eaglets who had already booked their spot in the Round of 16 before the game, failed to convert the numerous chances they had at goal.

Botic finished off a fine team move in the 13th minute to break the deadlock at the Estadio Bezerrao.

Seven minutes later, Olawale – who was making his first appearance in the competition – made a brilliant turn from just outside the penalty area to draw his side level.

After the equaliser, Nigeria went on to create more scoring chances but failed to convert any of them.

In the 53rd minute, Caleb Watts made a promising run into Nigeria’s area and was brought down by Usman Ibrahim in the 18-yard box, which left the referee with no choice but to point at the penalty spot.

Botic stepped forward to take the penalty and he made no mistake in sending goalkeeper Joseph Oluwabusola the wrong way for his second effort of the night.

In an attempt to stage a comeback, Olawale was replaced by Divine Nwachukwu in the 83rd minute but the Golden Eaglets lacked the goalscoring edge and bowed to the Joeys at the end.

Manu Garba’s side paid dearly for their missed chances in the game, making 35 attempts at goal and converting just one of their 12 shots on target.

Despite the loss, Nigeria finished as Group B leaders, level on six points with Ecuador but with a boost of a superior goal advantage.

Ecuador finish second on six points as Nigeria but with interior goals difference, and claimed a Round of 16 spot.

Australia are third on four points, and they are in good stead to reach the round of 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams.

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