Manuel Pellegrini mystified by Iheanacho's capabilities

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini hailed the performance of Kelechi Iheanacho after a starring role in a comfortable Capital One Cup demolition of Crystal Palace.

The 19-year-old Nigerian striker got on the scoresheet and set up two other goals as City cruised through to the quarter-finals with a 5-1 win at the Etihad Stadium.

It was an impressive way for the youngster to mark his first start for the club and it offered City some encouragement at a time of limited attacking options with leading scorer Sergio Aguero still out injured.

Pellegrini said: "It was very important for Kelechi to demonstrate once again that he's a very good player.

"He's not just a striker - he provided two assists. I'm very happy for him. He has things to improve but he's working in the correct way."

Iheanacho played up front with Wilfried Bony, who also scored. Iheanacho teed up goals for Kevin De Bruyne and fellow teenager Manu Garcia while Yaya Toure also struck from the penalty spot.

Pellegrini said: "I think this moment it's important for the team to have Kelechi and Bony as options without Kun (Aguero).

"They can play both together as they did tonight. Bony played well tonight. Of course Kelechi was very impressive but Wilfried also knows he has all my trust and his team-mates' trust.

"Kun is impossible to replace but we know we have another option in attack."

OBAGOAL returns as Oliseh snubs Moses for Swaziland

Nigeria coach, Sunday Oliseh, has included Seattle Sounders striker, Obafemi Martins in his latest list of 23 players invited to tackle Swaziland in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Martins who clocked 31 Wednesday, has not featured for the Super Eagles since March 2013 despite his remarkable run of form in the Major League Soccer.

The former Newcastle United striker comes in for the already retired Emmanuel Emenike who quit the national team in rather controversial circumstances last week.

Conspicuously absent is West Ham winger, Victor Moses, who opted out of the friendly fixtures against the DR Congo and Cameroon in Belgium over injury concerns.

And now Oliseh has moved swiftly to axe the 24-year-old, suggesting his discontent at the player's action to ignore national call-up.

There were places for regular suspects John Obi Mikel, Ogenyi Onazi and skipper Ahmed Musa - while  youngsters Wilfred Ndidi, Dele Alampasu, Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon also retained their places.

Six home-based players who helped the country qualify for the 2016 African Nations Championship in Rwanda also made the cut.

They include Sunhine Stars goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Kalu Orji of Enugu Rangers, Sharks defender, Chima Akas, Austin Oboroakpo of Abia Warriors and attackers Paul Onobi and Ezekiel Bassey of Sunshine Stars and Enyimba FC respectively.

Nigeria face a tricky away tie in the first leg in Lobamba on Friday, November 13 before hosting the Swazi's at the Adokiye Amiesiamaka Stadium in Port Harcourt four days later.

Oliseh has directed that all players to arrive at the Bolton White Apartments, Abuja on Sunday, November 8 as training commences same day by 7pm.

THE FULL LIST

 Goalkeepers: Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars); Dele Alampasu (Club de Sportivo Feirense, Portugal)

Defenders: Abdullahi Shehu (Uniao da Madeira, Portugal); Kalu Orji (Enugu Rangers FC); Elderson Echiejile (AS Monaco, France); Chima Akas (Sharks FC); Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz, Germany); Godfrey Oboabona (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Austin Oboroakpo (Abia Warriors)

Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Paul Onobi (Sunshine Stars); John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Rabiu Ibrahim (AS Trencin, Slovakia); Wilfred Ndidi (KRC Genk, Belgium); Sylvester Igbonu (FC UFA, Russia)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Odion Ighalo (Watford FC, England); Ezekiel Bassey (Enyimba FC); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Obafemi Martins (Seattle Sounders, USA).

FIFA U-17 World Cup: Golden Eaglets crush Australia to advance to quarterfinal

Reigning U-17 World Cup holders, Nigeria, smashed a tired looking Australia side 6-0 in the Round of 16 at Estadio Sausalito in Chile on Thursday morning.

A hat-trick from Victor Osimhen - his seventh of the tournament - a penalty goal from Nigeria skipper, Chidiebere Nwakali and late goals from Edidiong Essien and Samuel Chukwueze ended the Junior Socceroos run in emphatic fashion.

The Golden Eaglets out-muscled the Australians in midfield and proved devastating on the counter putting four past the Joeys in the second-half.

Tony Vidmar's men started brightly but were hit in the 22nd minute when Osimhen capitalised on a lost ball and made a surging run towards goal.

The Golden Boot candidate then rounded the opposing defender and shot across the goalkeeper to bring up Nigeria's first.

The Joeys had a great chance to equalize but Lucas Derrick's shot on target was palmed away by the Nigerian keeper and Cameron Joice couldn't put away the follow-up.

Nigeria then raced up the other end and earned a penalty which Nwakali coverted to double their lead with three minutes before the half hour mark.

Derrick spurned a chance to go for goal just after the hour and Panos Armenakas put in a decent freekick.

And despite dominating possession for portions of the second half, it was Nigeria with all the goal-mouth action.

Osimhen scored his second in the 73rd minute before bringing up his third in controversial circumstances.

The attacker clearly fouling Rowles before firing a sumblime shot into the far top corner on 79'.

A goal to substitute Essien on 86' and Chukeueze on 89' completed the rout for the Eaglets.

Iheanacho stars in City romp

Nigeria youngster Kelechi Iheanacho was voted Man of the Match as Manchester City spanked Crystal Palace 5-1 at the Etihad on Wednesday in the English Capital One Cup.

The 19-year-old scored once and made a couple in an excellent full debut as the Citizens booked a place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Iheanacho teed up Kevin De Bruyne to tap in City's second late in the first half after Wilfried Bony had headed the hosts ahead after 22 minutes.

He then made it 3-0 with a composed finish - his second of the season - his first coming against same opposition in the League in September, before Yaya Toure converted from the penalty spot.

Damien Delaney grabbed a late consolation for Palace but it was City who had the final say as Iheanacho set up 17-year-old Manu Garcia to score the fifth in injury-time.

NPFL Roundup: Enyimba held in Nasarawa, Wikki Tourist displace Wolves to second-place

Enyimba International continued their surge towards claiming the Nigeria Professional Football League title with a hard-nose 0-0 draw away to Nasarawa United at the Lafia City Stadium. 

The Peoples Elephants maintained their lead at the summit of the log after holding the Solid Miners on the road in a Week 34 encounter played on Wednesday - to take their point tally to 62. 

Skipper Chinedu Udoji led from the back as he marshaled his team towards curtailing the rampant Nasarawa side who have found a way of drubbing the top dogs in the league this season. 

At the Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi, Wikki Tourist ensured they won't give up the league crown without a fight by beating IfeanyiUbah 2-1.   

Two goals in each half from Victor Yakubu and Uche Martins put the game beyond the reach of the Nnewi Millionaires who tried to fight back through Odera Onyiri. 

The win takes Abdul Maikaba's men to second-place on the log with 57 points, five behind Enyimba. 

Giwa FC boosted their hopes of continental football with a shock 2-1 away victory over Elkanemi Warriors. Charles Okoro silenced fans at the Karkanda Stadium when he slotted home the opener in first half stoppage time to put the visitors in front.  
Dauda Eboh thought he had earned the Maiduguri-based side a point after he equalized few minutes into the second half but Ocheme Udoh had other plans - as he doubled the advantage of the visitors.  

Strikes from Enockela Akleche and Ndifreke Effiong gave Abia Warriors a 2-0 win over Lobi Stars in Umuahia, while Fortune Oniwari was the hero in Owerri when Heartland sunk Sharks 1-0.  

In the relegation battle, Kwara United and Bayelsa United shared the spoils in Ilorin as the game ended 1-1 - a result that deemed both sides hopes of survival.  

Warri Wolves will entertain Akwa United in the last week 34 fixture. The game was postponed to Thursday due to heavy downpour which made the Warri City Stadium pitch un-playable.

Full Results

Wikki Tourists 2 - 1 IfeanyiUbah

Heartland 1 - 0 Sharks

Kwara United 1 - 1 Bayelsa United

3SC 1 - 0 Taraba United

El-kanemi 2 - 1 Giwa FC

Abia Warriors 2 - 0 Lobi Stars

Nasarawa United 0 - 0 Enyimba

Dolphins 2 - 1 Kano Pillars

Three prospective options to replace the retired Emenike in the Super Eagles

When Emmanuel Emenike decided to quit international football on Monday, his decision was greeted with mixed reactions from Nigerians - who are yet to recoup after former skipper Vincent Enyeama took a similar route.

Emenike announced his international retirement on Monday via social media platform, Instagram, to the disbelief of his coach Sunday Oliseh who revealed he was "shocked" by the striker's action.

While many football fans believe the 28-year-old who last scored for his country in October 2013 is way past his prime, others are of the opinion that he still has loads of football to offer the country.

With the 2013 African Cup of Nations top scorer now out of the fray, we take a look at three strikers who could fill the void left by the player.

1. Obafemi Martins (Seattle Sounders)

Obafemi Martins require no introduction to Nigerian football as he has already carved a niche for himself in the game.

His 18 goals in 39 appearances makes him the Super Eagles' third all-time  highest goalscorer behind Rashidi Yekini and Yakubu Aiyegbeni.

Martins, 30, was constantly ignored by former coach Stephen Keshi and it was reported that the player had called it quits with internationals in 2014.

But since the coming of Oliseh, the player has swiftly moved to debunk that claim - thereby opening the doors to his national team return after two-years in the wilderness.

" I never announced my retirement, as wrongly reported. I was a bit disappointed to be treated like a Nigeria outcast but it was not enough to push me into an early retirement," Martins told BBC Sports.

"Things have changed at home and if the new coach [Sunday Oliseh] says he wants me to play for Nigeria again, I'd jump at the chance," Martins hinted.

The striker forged ahead from his Player of The Season performance last year in the MLS with a much more spectacular showing this term -  scoring 15 goals in all competitions for Seattle Sounders.

Martins has had a nomardic career in Europe playing for Inter Milan, Newcastle, VFL Wolfsburg, Rubin Kazan and Levante - but it is in the USA where he has gained more recognition finding the net 40-times with over 20 assists for Seattle.

But if considered worthy by Oliseh, the player will definitely provide goals, pace, better link-up play, loads of experience and leadership missing in the national team.


2. Brown Ideye (Olympiakos)

Another old-timer, Brown Ideye could likely be the solution to the Eagles striking dilemma after the retirement of one-time strike partner, Emenike.

Unlike Martins, Ideye has always been criticized by Nigerians for his poor goal scoring return - five goals in 25 games for his country - a woeful record for a top marksman .

The player has also been shut-out by Oliseh but could likely be on the tactician's wish list after watching him single handedly tear Dynamo Zagreb apart in the Uefa Champions League on Tuesday.

Deemed surplus to requirement at West Bromwich Albion, Ideye joined the Greek giants in the summer and notched his third consecutive goal in the 1-0 win in Croatia.

The 27-year-old is the only Nigerian striker playing in the UCL and could offer a different dimension to the Eagles approach.

On his day, the former Dynamo Kiev man could form a dreadful partnership with the Eagles attackers as he is well suited to holding-up play so as to bring in other players into the game.

Ideye also possess the experience, exposure and versatility to thrive in a number of positions in attack.


3. Isaac Success (Granada)

The youngest among the trio, Isaac Success is gradually developing into one of the most feared power strikers in Europe - as he remains the only Nigeria striker in the Spanish La Liga.

Success was Nigeria's vice-captain to the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup win in UAE - but was sidelined for the majority of the tournament after picking up an injury in the second game.

Nigeria coach to the tourney, Manu Garba, said about the youngster after his injury:

"If I confirm that Isaac Success will play, the Swedish team will start shivering, our team revolves around him," he joked.

He also made the trip to the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand and scored twice in the competition.

In August 2015, after some fine string of performance for Granda, Success was handed a contract extension till 2019 by the Nazaries.

The 19-year-old who has developed into an integral part of the squad, scored his second league goal of the season and assisted two others in a 3-3 draw with Sporting Gijon on Monday.

Success will certainly bring youthfulness, aggressiveness, hunger, bite and athleticism to the national team if considered.

Golden eaglets book second-round place with easy win over host

Nigeria Golden Eaglets continued their impressive start to their FIFA U-17 World Cup title defense by completing a comprehensive 5-1 victory over hosts Chile and progressing to the knockout stages in the process.

 A goal within 30 seconds by star man Samuel Chukwueze set the tone for a straightforward win, with the diminutive Number 8 grabbing a second in the second half after he had earlier been fouled for Kelechi Nwakali's to score from the spot, and before he was felled for Victor Osimhen's successful spot kick conversion.

Chile grabbed a consolation, before Funsho Bamgboye saw his marching orders, with Osimhen's late header adding some gloss to the win, despite Nwakali missing his second penalty of the match after Chukwueze had been fouled in the penalty area for a third time.

The African side were remarkably quick out of the blocks, opening the scoring after 22 seconds. Osimhen, fresh from his goal in the opening game against USA, sprinted down the Nigerian left and slid the ball across the Chilean penalty area. The onrushing midfielder slammed home with ease.

He then played a big part in the second Nigeria goal, sprinting onto a long upfield clearance and tapping the ball past the sliding Juan Jose Soriano in the penalty area. The Chilean defender’s challenge brought down the Nigeria winger and Nwakali doubled his side's lead.

Chukwueze then grabbed his second of the game thanks to sheer determination on the hour mark. He worked his way into the Chilean penalty area, performed a couple of stepovers and, after seeing an initial shot blocked, slammed a left-footed strike past Lopez.

Chile's defense will be glad to see the back of the Nigerian Number 8, as he burst into the Chilean penalty area once more moments later and was felled again, this time by substitute Brian Leiva. For the second spot kick, it was Osimhen who stepped up, and he matched Nwakali's first effort by firing home.

Substitute Funsho Bamgboye later hit the post before Chile's consolation came courtesy of Marcelo Allende, who slammed past Akpan Udoh from Luciano Diaz's cross.

Despite Bamgboye's late dismissal, for a rash challenge, Nigeria rallied and Osimhen grabbed his third of the tournament in two games. Nwakali then missed his chance to double his own tally for the game from the penalty spot, after Chukwueze had been fouled for a third time.

It did not matter though, as Nigeria join Korea Republic in the last 16, with Chile set to face USA in a pivotal final clash back at the Estadio Sausalito on Friday.

Coach Emmanuel Amuneke hailed the performance of his wards after his side saw-off the host with a beautiful counter attacking football.

"My players understood the transition game, that is when to attack, when to defend. We also prepared them mentally," the Nigeria coach said.

Oliseh, Pinnick, others react to Emenike's shocking retirement

Nigeria football community woke up on Tuesday morning to the news that Al Ain of UAE striker, Emmanuel Emenike has quit international football.

The decision according to the former Spartak Moscow goal machine was solely for "national interest" amid speculation that he might be axed by coach Sunday Oliseh for subsequent games.

"Sometimes it's better to remove yourself from an environment that doesn't suit you mentally and physically, this is what I have done," Emenike told BBC Sports.

Just like many Nigerians, Oliseh has taken the news with shock and is yet to come to terms that the 28-year-old has quit his team.

"It was a big shocker for us and a big shocker for me personally," the gaffer told Brilla Fm.

"And personally, I still don't accept that he (Emenike) has retired because, officially, I have not heard anything from him, and I don't think the federation have heard anything from him, only what we've seen is what is pasted on social media," Oliseh added.

 The tactician however debunked claims in the media that he and his coaching crew had planned to drop the striker for his below-par performances for the Super Eagles.

"He has been part of our building process, and in fact, he has had more playing time than any other striker that we've had. So I am very surprised that he has retired," Oliseh narrated

"I have called him twice. Immediately I heard it, the first thing was that I needed to get a confirmation which I called him yesterday (Tuesday) and I am still expecting a return call. So when I hear from him, that is when I will accept that he really has retired."

Joining Oliseh is NFF President Amaju Pinnick who declared that he was "utterly flabbergasted' by the resignation of the powerful forward .

"We (NFF) have not been contacted officially but I'm shocked because Emenike has been a major factor of success for the team. Players have the right to quit but I think that they should do it in a civil manner," the administrator said.

Veteran coach Joe Erico added his voice to the whole Emenike saga stressing that it did not come to him as a surprise.

 "It's not strange," he reacted. "He has done well within a short spell with the national team."

While former international, Fatai Amoo,  believes Emenike's retirement from international football  is ill-timed and a "bit hasty".

And Finally Enyimba coach, Kadiri Ikhana suggested that the decision of the Al Ain striker to quit the Super Eagles could lead to disorder in the national team.

"Two players retiring from the national team can bring disorder into the team because both were leading stars, respected by their teammates. It is not too good for us, especially, the sudden nature of Emenike's decision."

Ideye hit goal number 3 for Olympiakos in Champions League win

Nigeria striker, Brown Ideye scored a late winner to earn Olympiakos a 1-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The former West Brom man seem to be rediscovering his best form after netting for the third successive game for the Thrylos.  

Ideye made the most of a cross from Dimitris Siovas, racing down the left with no support before surging past two defenders and goalkeeper Eduardo to score in the 79th minute.

It secured a second consecutive away win for the Greek champions in Group F after beating Arsenal last time.

The 27-year-old Brown also atoned for squandering an earlier chance, missing an open goal after sliding to meet a cross from Felipe Pardo.

Ideye is yet to be considered by Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, in his first four games in charge - but could be in line for a recall after his one-time strike partner Emmanuel Emenike retired.

Emenike quits international football

Nigeria striker, Emmanuel Emenike, has announced his retirement from international football on Monday after five years of service.

The Fenerbahce striker on loan at UAE side Al Ain joins former skipper, Vincent Enyeama, on the retiree list - after making his decision not to play for the Super Eagles public via social media platform Instagram.

Emenike's decision to quit the Eagles will come as a surprise to many with coach Sunday Oliseh placing his faith on the player despite his lengthy goal drought at national level.

The 28-year-old striker who was top scorer at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, revealed that his reason for retiring abruptly was for "national peace".

“No more Eagles career! After five great years, I am happy to announce that I have put full-stop to my national team career for the sake of national peace,” the striker wrote on Instagram.

“It’s a pleasure for me to have played for this great country. I never regretted it and I think it’s the best time to end it. Million thanks to all the fans who have been very supportive during the good and bad times.

“I am very proud of my performance, I am proud of my team mates and I am very proud of the nation called ‘Nigeria’. My AFCON gold medal is a sign of great achievement, my AFCON topscorer award speaks a lot about my commitment and dedication to the team," he added.

Emenike's sudden action might not be unconnected to the recent spat between Oliseh and Enyeama, with the latter being stripped of his captaincy.

The gaffer's decision to install Ahmed Musa as captain in place of the Lille goalkeeper didn't go down well among the senior players - with John Obi Mikel earlier turning down the opportunity to deputize for Musa.

"Super Eagles is a camp not a family house, and it shouldn’t be a threat zone for any individual,” he lamented.

Emenike made his debut for Nigeria against Sierra Leone and went on to make 36 other appearances scoring nine times in the process.

The Super Eagles will take on Egypt in a 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifier at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna, on March 23, 2016.

Swansea's Angel Rangel still remembers Victor Moses' penalty incident one year after

Nigeria winger Victor Moses was the subject of criticism from Swansea fans, players and coaches after he was adjudged to have won a dubious penalty for Stoke City at Britannia last season.

The 25-year-old has however moved on from the incident as he now represents East London side, West Ham but the event is still fresh in the heart of Spanish defender Angel Rangel.

Rangel was the man adjudged to have felled Moses in the feisty affair,  the then Potters loan star theatrically tumbling and earning both a penalty and the wrath of Garry Monk.

The Swans boss’ use of the word “cheat” and declaration the player should be ashamed of his actions sparked a real war of words that – although it didn’t resurface in last year’s Liberty win for Monk’s men.

Both sides clash at the Liberty Stadium on Monday and Rangel insist the penalty decision against him was rather soft but admits he has learnt his lessons.

“That decision was a bit harsh," a furious Rangel said.

"But it did make me realise that in the box you just cannot touch a player. It’s a difficult one for the referees because things look 50-50. In that one he got it wrong but I’ve moved on.

“Sometimes, it could be an unfair penalty that gets us a point or three – so, you have to balance it. We have been robbed sometimes, but we have benefitted at other times. It’s part of the game,” he admitted.

Golden Eaglets sink USA to kick-start title defence

Nigeria Golden Eaglets have begun their title defence on the right foot after taking down USA 2-0 in their opening match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015.  

A scoreless opening 45 minutes saw plenty of chances go begging for both sides. USA’s Haji Wright came the closest to opening the scoring 13 minutes in after getting on the end of Christian Pulisic’s cross but the No7 could not keep his effort from going over the crossbar.

Pulisic in particular tormented the Nigerian backline with his pace and skill attacking down the left, but the Super Eaglets held on and five minutes after the break took the lead. 

The Americans were unable to clear during a scramble in their area and Chukwudi Agor capitalised on the Stars and Stripes’ mistake and smashed the ball into the net, leaving William Pulisic no chance.

The opening goal did not diminish the Americans’ attacking spirit, but Richie Williams’ side could not create any clear-cut chances to find an equaliser. 

And with half an hour remaining, Victor Osimhen doubled Nigeria’s lead after cleverly beating two defenders and calmly finishing past Pulisic.

To make matters worse for USA, Auston Trusty was shown a straight red card three minutes from time, which will require coach Williams to make some changes in his backline ahead of the Americans’ next match against Croatia on Tuesday. 

In the other group game, Croatia held host Chile to a 1-1 draw - meaning the reigning champions are top of Group A with three points.

CHAN Qualifier: Salami on target as Nigeria beat Burkina Faso

The Home-based Super Eagles defeated Burkina Faso 2-0 in Saturday’s African Nations Championship final round qualifier, first leg played at the Adokiye Amiesiamaka Stadium, Port Harcourt. 

Goals from Bature Yaro and Gbolahan Salami were all the Eagles needed to breeze the visitors aside towards ensuring qualification for the competition billed for Rwanda in 2016.

The home team transformed their dominance right from kick-off to a well-deserved victory over their West African rivals whom they overcame to clinch the 2013 African Cup of Nations title. 

Despite earning his second consecutive victory as Nigeria coach, Sunday Oliseh has insisted that it is rather too early for any celebration - stressing that more work has to be done to secure qualification. 

“We have not won anything yet,” insisted Oliseh after the match in Port Harcourt.

“If we could score two goals here, nothing stops them from scoring the same number of goals in the return leg.

“It will be an interesting second leg,” he added.  

The two teams square-up in Ouagadougou next weekend.

Meanwhile, the Eagles will now face Swaziland in the second round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

The Swazis completed a 6-0 away romp over Djibouti with a 2-1 win at home on Saturday to advance. 

Both nations will be facing each other for the first time ever at full international level next month.

Moses rated fifth fastest player in the Premier League

Nigeria winger, Victor Moses, has been ranked among the fastest players in the Barclays Premier League thus far this season as he is placed in an unbelievable fifth position. 

Stats made available by EA SPORTS on Friday evening confirmed the West Ham attacker as the fifth fastest player in the League with a top speed of 35km/h. 

After failing to nail down a regular place at Chelsea, the 25-year-old moved to Upton Park on a season long loan in the summer.  

Now the former Crystal Palace man has been rewarded for an outstanding start to life in East London after his one goal and two assists helped pushed Slaven Bilic's team to sixth place on the log. 

Moses' record is only bettered by Leicester City duo Jamie Vardy and Jeffrey Schlupp, Sunderland defender Billy Jones and another Foxes player, Marc Albrighton. 

What this mean is that the Nigerian is rated above some of the very best players in the EPL such as Alexis Sanchez, Eden Hazard, Willian, Theo Walcott and Sergio Aguero. 

Moses who has already made 24 appearances for the Super Eagles, opted out of the last two international friendly games against DR Congo and Cameroon over precautionary move against injury.

Ten interesting facts about Nigeria at the FIFA U-17 Championships

All eyes will be on the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria who begin the quest to retaining their title at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile which will take place from October 17 to November 8.

Drawn against tournament host Chile, Croatia and USA in group A, the team will hope to better the performances of their predecessors at this competition.

Coach Emmanuel Amunike is optimistic of his team's chances as he believes his wards will surely retain the title they won two years ago.

"We are here to defend the trophy," Amuneke said after the team arrived Chile on Wednesday.

"We are here with new players who want to write their own history and we are looking forward to our first game against the United States of America," he added.

With the country boosting an unbelievable record at the cadre level, we take a look at some mind-blowing
stats and facts from Nigeria's participation at this competition over the years.


1. Nigeria is the most successful country in the tournament's history with four titles (1985, 1993, 2007, 2013) and three runners up (1987, 2001, 2009).

Followed by Brazil and Ghana with three and two titles respectively.

2. The Golden Ball award for the most valuable player at a particular tournament has been won thrice by Nigerians -  the highest by any nation.  Phillip Osundu in 1987, Sani Emmanuel in 2009, and Kelechi Iheanacho in 2013.

3. Wison Oruma at Japan 1993 and Macauley Chrisantus at Korea 2007 are the only two Nigerians to have won the Golden shoe award for most goals scored in a single tournament.

4. The country has failed to qualify for this competition only once in Italy 1991 and once failed to progress pass the group stage in Finland 2003 after the Eaglets were eliminated by drawing of lot - they were tied with Costa Rica on both points and goals.  

5. Dele Alampasu, Eaglets' goalkeeper to the 2013 edition of the competition is the first and only Nigerian to have won the Golden Glove award for the most outstanding keeper in a particular edition.

6. Despite winning the titles on four occasions, Nigeria has never successfully defended her title on each occasion.

7.1708 goals has been scored in the history of the tournament with Nigeria's Chidera Ezeh scoring 1700th goal in 2013.

8. Nigeria has successfully hosted this competition once in 2009 but couldn't capitalize on home support to win the title - they lost 1-0 to Switzerland in the finals. While Mexico is the first and only team to have hosted and won on home soil in 2011.

9. Nigeria holds the record for most goals scored by a team in a single tournament with 26 goals in the 2013 tournament hosted by United Arab Emirates. They are closely followed by Germany with a total of 24 goals in the 2011 edition hosted by Mexico.

10. With an average age of 16 years and 11 months, the current crop of Eaglets is the youngest in the history of the country's participation at the biennial event.

Nigeria play USA on Saturday in Santiago.