Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets are up against the U-17 national team from the United States of America in their first group game at the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup tournament in Chile.
The Nigerians are the defending champions are chasing a record fifth triumph at the age-grade competition.
Nigeria’s coach, Emmanuel Amuneke leads the side out at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos, Santiago De Chile, as they chase an unprecedented record.
Nigeria’s XI: 1 UDOH (GK), 2 LAZARUS, 4 ENOGELA, 5 ZAKARI, 7, BAMGBOYE, 9 OSIMHEN, 10, NWAKALI (C), 12 AGOR, 14 IKWU, 15 ANUMUDU, 17 EBERE.
USA’s XI: 1 W. PULISIC (GK), 2 OLOSUNDE, 3 NELSON, 4 TRUSTY, 5 ARELLANO (C), 6 CALVILLO, 7 WRIGHT, 9 GALLARDO, 10 C. PULISIC, 11 PEREZ, 20 ZENDEJAS.
FULL TIME here.
90′ +2 Okonkwo replaces Osimhen, but he did not manage to touch the ball before the referee blows the final whistle.
90′ +1 Chukwueze is adjudged offside. Nigeria attempt to get a third goal, but the goalkeeper parries before a second shot fails to connect.
89′ Lovely piece of skill by Perez to beat his Nigerian marker, but his cross goes wide.
87′ America’s Trusty is given a straight RED CARD for what deliberately stepping on Nigerian forward, Osimhen’s thighs with his studs.
84′ Incredible possession of the ball by the African giants, they really do not have anything to lose by doing that.
83′ Da Silva replaces Gallardo (USA) as the match gets into the last five minutes.
81′ The Nigerians have stringed crisp, one-two passes together in this half since their goal. They are really catching fun on the pitch.
80′ Bambgoye comes off for Chuwkueze, to an applause by the fans in the stands.
79′ USA take the corner but the Nigerian defenders clear for a counter. Bamgboye is ruled offside again.
78′ Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Udoh called to action and he brilliantly tips the ball over for a corner-kick to USA.
76′ Nigeria’s Osimhen almost got his second but he is adjudged to be in an offside position.
74′ Great teamwork by Bamgboye and the newly-introduced Michael, but the USA goalkeeper saves for a corner, he also had to save from Anumudu.
70′ Nigeria’s Anumudu booked for staying on the turf and getting up without any real reason, although he is holding on to his back… looks like he is in slight pains.
67′ Adams comes in for Olusunde (USA) as Nigeria continue threatening their American opponents.
66′ Nigeria have grown in confidence since those goals, looking more likely to get a third.
SUBSTITUTION Michael comes in for Agbor, scorer of Nigeria’s first goal while De La Torre replaces Wright
61′ GOOOOOAAAALLLLL Brilliant goal scored by Nigeria’s Osimhen, who has had limited chances this evening. He does well to beat his marker and humiliate the American’s goalkeeper.
58′ Nigeria’s clearance is returned into their half by a Perez drive but the goalkeeper, Udoh ensures safety for his side.
57′ The Americans are pouring forward with more purpose now, stringing fine passes together, and almost got a goal, but Nigeria defend well.
55′ Ebere tees off Nwakali but his shot goes way wide off the post.
54′ The resultant corner is blocked by the Nigerian defence for another corner. Captain Nwakali clears from the corner and Nigeria counter attack now.
53′ Wright does really well to skilfully beat two Nigerian players, but the Nigerians block for a corner.
51′ The Africans seem to have been lifted by that goal, they are pouring out in droves, trying to get a second and win a corner kick for their efforts.
50′ GOOAAAAALLLLL! Nigeria’s Agbor is a beneficiary of a goal mouth scramble to smash in an unstoppable shot.
47′ America trying to catch the Africans unawares, but they do well to keep them at bay. Nice defensive clearance by Nigeria’s Ebere.
HALF TIME here in Chile, the players return to the dressing room…
45′ Amuneke seems disturbed as his wards have refused to convert their chances when it mattered most.
42′ Agbor’s cross fails to connect any Nigerian within the Americans’ box, his crosses have been anything but top notch this evening.
40′ Osimhen gets himself in a good position to shoot, but his fine drive was blocked. Osimhen heads in the resultant corner, but Pulisic gathers without stress.
38′ Nwakali is cautioned for a foul on an American. About five more minutes to go in this half… No clear chance from either of both teams.
34′ Nigeria still struggling to have a hold on this game, although they are leading with possession.
31′ Nigeria win a free-kick and keep trying to make something out of the game… unfortunately, they are not achieving much success with that.
30′ Nigeria dispossess Pulisic for the first time this evening, he has been the Nigerians’ biggest problem this evening.
28′ The Nigerians try to beautifully string passes together, but the Americans are very bright and have kept out every likely danger.
FACT: Nigeria have won 40 of 66 matches at the FIFA World Cup tournaments they have participated in.
25′ Lazarus is played in by Bamgboye, but his cross is quite disappointing.
23′ Although the match has been far from entertaining, both sides have been able to cancel each other out.
21′ Lazarus crosses the ball into the Americans’ box and Osimhen shoots off target while under pressure. Nigerians keeping the Americans at arms’ length now.
20′ Bambgoye plays in a low cross, but there was nobody to connect . He is certainly enjoying himself here…
18′ Pulisic has been the main tormentor of the Nigerians in the last 18 minutes, he might just be the first revelation of this tournament.
17′ Agor is presented with an opportunity just beside the Americans’ far post, but he shoots way wide off the post.
16′ Perez does really well to beat his marker, swings in a cross… but it takes no effect. No particular pattern of play by these teenagers.
13′ CHANCE! The Americans would have taken the lead but for a good block by Ebere just close to the goal line. Beautiful defensive recovery by the Nigerians who initiate an attack of their own.
11′ There was a minute of scare for the Nigerians as the goalkeeper, Udoh almost spilled the ball to hand the Americans the lead, but he gathers quickly to save.
9′ The Nigerian midfield is momentarily dazzled by an American’s brilliant dash forward, but the Nigerians clear.
8′ Nice through ball to Nigeria’s Osimhen, but he shoots just wide off the post.
5′ Bambgoye does well to win a throw for the Nigerian side as they try to contain the Americans.
4′ Free-kick to Nigeria, to be taken by Nwakali… a flick by a Nigerian from the far post couldn’t quite pose any threat.
1′ Kick off here inside the almost empty stadium. The US side has at least, one Nigerian in their squad.
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