Three-time champions Nigeria left little to doubt when they opened their FIFA U-17
World Cup campaign against twice champions and holders Mexico in Al Ain,
winning out by an emphatic 6-1 scoreline.......
Al Ain City
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
October 19, 2013
The result piles more unhappiness on the Mexican nation, whose senior team is experiencing a crisis in senior FIFA World Cup™ qualifying, while Nigeria sit comfy and cozy at the top of Group F.
Nigeria looked nervous early, but the Mexicans were unable to take advantage of their opponents’ trepidation. Striker Ulises Jaimes had a chance to score with his head after only three minutes, but the ball was deflected wide of danger by the scrambling African defence.
With a half-hour gone, and after a few more Mexican half-chances, the Africans had settled into their rhythm. That was bad news for Mexico. With 33 minutes gone, the speedy Golden Eaglets were through on a counter-attack. Success Isaac, who scored seven times in the African qualifiers, raced in and rounded the goalkeeper, pulling the ball back across goal. Kelechi Iheanacho followed the play and produced a clever finish, hitting the ball high into the net to get over a pair of Mexican defenders.
Nigeria will face debutants Sweden in their next match on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at the same Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium venue....
Posted: at | |