Nigeria historic title defense at the just concluded FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile was down to collective team work from the players as well as the management. But some youngsters distinguished themselves among their pairs, racking up unbelievable performances throughout the tourney - skipper, Kelechi Nwakali was one. The Golden Eaglets defeated Mali 2-0 on Monday morning to clinch a record fifth U-17 title and break the jinx of never retaining the trophy. Kelechi, 17, the younger of the two Nwakali's was dropped from the Nigerian squad to the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, while his elder brother, Chidiebere was a key member of the team. "I was in the pre-World Cup training squad in 2013 but didn't make the squad that went on to win the trophy," Nwakali told FIFA.com. The team went on to conquer the world and the skipper added "My brother Chidiebere was there, though and of course I felt proud and happy for the other players." Two years on, the youngster has become the hero in his homeland and the most sort after player in the world under the age of 17 . Both brothers are currently contracted to English giants, Manchester City alongside another Nigeria youngster, Kelechi Iheanacho. Top scorer,Victor Osimhen, stole all the headlines with his record ten goals, but it was his combative and charismatic skipper that was considered the Most Outstanding Player at the tournament. The player contributed three goals and three assists among which was a spectacular free kick goal in the semifinal against Mexico with the Golden Eaglets one goal down. Described by coach Emmanuel Amuneke as "another God's gift to Nigeria" earlier in the year, the young lad has gone ahead to carve his name in the history of the country and the game. Nwakali who idolizes City midfielder Yaya Toure, says “I love watching him play because he loves to win. That’s all he wants. You can see it in the way he plays, the way he runs and even in the way he walks on the pitch.” Just like the Ivory Coast skipper, Nwakali is a born leader who dictates instructions to his teammates on the pitch - no wonder his coach has this calm and collected look always. He said: “I am sort of his right-hand man {Emmanuel Amuneke} because he usually gives me instructions to pass on to the rest of my team-mates.” Nwakali however showed his softer spot after the final by giving out his captain armband to a young Chilean fan. The screaming fan caught the eye of the Nigeria No 10 from the stands directly next to the tunnel. Nwakali waved at the young fan before rolling down his armband and throwing it towards the fan. It was caught by another supporter and passed to him. After the game, the Golden Ball and Bronze boot winner said: “I thank God for the opportunity to win this award. It means so much,” he told FIFA.com. “Right from the game against the USA, when we arrived in Chile, our aim was to defend the trophy. “We believed the only way we could do this was hard work. We approached each game with hard work and seriousness. Any team that came to Chile worked for it,” he added. “Playing in the final is the dream of every young player,” the beaming No10 said. “To play in a World Cup final and win the trophy is amazing. Not just winning it, but defending it.” Kelechi now joins the likes of Philip Osundu (1987), Sani Emmanuel (2009) and Kelechi Iheanacho (2013), as the few Nigerians to have won the prestigious Golden Ball award.
Enyimba International have emerged as champions of 2014/15 Nigeria Professional Football League after a scoreless draw with closet rivals, Warri Wolves at the Aba International Stadium on Sunday. The Peoples' Elephant needed just a single point coming into their week 37 fixture and did exactly that to clinch a record seventh title - the most by any Nigerian club. Enyimba played the most of Sunday’s clash with a man down after Daniel Etor was shown a straight red card in the 40th minute, but the Aba side held their nerves to end their five year title drought. The draw takes Kadiri Ikhana's team to 69 points from 37 games, five points more than second-place Wolves. In the last five years, Kano Pillars has dominated the league winning the title thrice consecutively, while Dolphins were champions in 2011. Before the latest acquisition, Enyimba won the title in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2010. They were African Champions in 2003 and 2004. No other Nigerian club side has won the prestigious CAF Champions League. Meanwhile, Bayelsa United, Taraba United and Kwara United have all been relegated with one game to spare - while one of the Port Hacourt clubs, Sharks or Dolphins could join the aforementioned teams. Both sides are tied on 42 points apiece but Dolphins are above their neighbours on superior goal difference.
Defending champions, Nigeria, defeated African champions, Mali 2-0 in the early hours of Monday - becoming only the second team to retain the FIFA U-17 World Cup trophy in Vina Del Mar, Chile. The Golden Eaglets are world champions for a record fifth time after seeing off their West African neighbours in a highly physical yet entertaining climax to the tournament. Second half strikes from tournament top scorer Victor Osimhen and Funsho Bamgboye ensured the Nigerians overcame a first half penalty miss from Osinachi Ebere. The penalty came as both sides were just finding their rhythm in the opening exchanges, Chato the culprit with a handball. Ebere saw his low effort saved brilliantly by Diarra, his follow up header hit the bar before a third bite of the cherry was blocked by the Malian defence. Both sides had chances in a tense opening period, with Eaglets skipper Kelechi Nwakali hitting just wide and Boubacar Traore seeing his glancing header tipped over by Akpan Udoh. The second half saw the game burst into life, with Emmanuel Amuneke's words clearly working their magic on the Nigerian youngsters. Good approach play by substitute Chinedu Madueke saw him tee up Osimhen for his record-breaking goal, seeing him surpass the 9 goals scored by Florent Sinama Pongolle in 2001 and Souleymane Coulibaly ten years later. The holders doubled their advantage mere minutes later, with Bamgboye bursting down the Nigerian left before smashing a powerful effort at goal, Diarra standing little chance. Despite a couple of late chances for Mali, from corner kicks, Nigeria retained possession for large spells and saw the game out to retain their crown. Nigeria duo, Nwakali and Osimhen were awarded with the Bronze and Golden Boots awards as the third and top scorers in the tournament. The pair also clinched the Golden and Silver Balls respectively for the most outstanding players in the competition. In the third place playoff, Belgium defeated Mexico 3-2 to win bronze. The next edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup will be held in India in 2017.
