Nigeria head coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, has said he is expecting “an interesting challenge” against Mali in this Sunday’s all-African FIFA Under-17 World Cup final.
Amuneke’s team defeated Mexico 4-2 in the semi-final while Mali downed Belgium 3-1 to set up an all-Africa final for the first time in 22 years in the history of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup.
The former Nigerian international said reaching the final of the under-17s tournament for a second successive time offers Nigeria the chance to defend the title won two years ago in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Amuneke, who was part of the coaching staff in UAE in 2013, however, acknowledged that the Malians are a good team’ since they are the current African champions.
The 44-year-old Nigerian coach also took time to relive the semis victory over the technically gifted Mexicans.
“It was a difficult match in which both teams did their best. We give credit to Mexico because of their performance and level of play. We are happy to be in the final and have the chance to defend the world title. Mali is a good team, African champions. This is going to be an interesting challenge,” said Amuneke at the post-match.
Nigeria cruised into their seventh final in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup on the back of a 4-2 win over Mexico through goals from Kelechi Nwakali, Orji Okonkwo, Osinachi Ebere and Victor Osimhen’s penalty goal.
Mexico netted twice in the game via Kevin Magana and Diego Cortes, who produced a sublime individual finish that conjured up the memory of Diego Maradona’s individual brilliance against England at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico.
The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria are now aiming to win a fifth world title at Under-17 level when they face Mali at the Estadio Saualito Vina Del Mar in Chile on Sunday.
