Golden Eaglets Beaten By Croatia In Final Group A Fixture

The Golden Eaglets failed to maintain their 100 percent record at the ongoing Fifa Under 17 World Cup after losing 2 - 1 to Croatia in their final Group A fixture on Saturday morning at the Estadio Municipal Francisco Sánchez Rumoroso, Coquimbo.

The Emmanuel Amuneke - led side had already secured a berth in the next round after winning their first two matches.

The Nigeria Under 17s almost opened scoring in the 15th minute but Victor Osimhen but hit the upright and could not put away the rebound after an impressive counterattack.

But five minutes and against the run of play, the defending champions took the lead courtesy of Victor Osimhen’s 20 minute strike, his fourth goal of the tournament, after finding himself in a one -one - one situation with Croatia goalkeeper šemper.

The Europeans never gave up after the goal and continued to probe the Nigeria defense but did not get the equalizer until the second half.

Skipper Moro found a way past the Golden Eaglets defense before setting up Brekalo, who scored in the 50th minute.

On 54 minutes, Nigeria went behind for the first time in the tournament after Moro capitalized on a mistake by Enogela and made an assist for Majiä†, who fired the ball past Akpan Udoh.

In the final minutes, the Golden Eaglets had a chance to equalize but Osimhen was denied by the goalkeeper.

In the round of 16, Nigeria will tackle the third - placed team in Group C, D or E at the Estadio Sausalito, Viña del Mar.

Photo Credit : fifa.com