GOLDEN EAGLETS FLY INTO FINAL!

The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria were made to work for their 3-0 semi-final win over Sweden in Dubai, a result that sends them to the final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Taiwo Awoniyi continued his rich vein of form, scoring his third goal in two games to help send the Golden Eaglets through to the final, where they will meet Mexico in another Group F rematch. 

The game started at a tremendous pace, both sides carving out half-chances inside the first 60 seconds. After the initial frenzy of attacks cooled, the pattern of play became clear. The Nigerians pressed forward in waves, trying to pin Sweden back and cut off the supply lines to foraging striker Valmir Berisha.

But Manu Garba's team were the more dangerous team in the first half and they got the goal their dominance deserved after just 21 minutes. It was the same combination that produced both goals in the quarter-final win over Uruguay as Kelechi Iheanacho – one of the best players here in UAE – pushed the ball up through midfield and chipped in a looping pass for Awoniyi, who hardly had to break stride before pummeling past Sixten Mohlin for his third goal in two games.

Sweden responded gamely with Strandberg and Wahlqvit going close for the Europeans. But there was to be no repeat of the earlier 3-3 draw between the two sides. In the final ten minutes, Samuel Okon cut in from the left and hammered his shot low and inside the post to end Sweden's dream dream. It was all over even before Chidera Eze poked home a third seconds later to make it 3-0 and send Nigeria to the final, where they will aim to make history by winning a record fourth title.