Golden Eaglets Crashed Out Of U17 World Cup

Five-time world champions The Golden Eaglets Wednesday night crashed out of this year’s U17 FIFA World Cup after they fell 3-1 to European champions Holland in a Round of 16 contest.

It was an open and entertaining match-up that was well managed by the tactical-masterclass Dutch against a spirited Nigerian team.

Sontje Hansen put the Jong Orange in front after just four minutes when he cut through the Nigeria defence to finish off a sweeping move.

Olakunle Olusegun drew the Eaglets level on 12 minutes courtesy of a superbly taken low shot from outside the box.

A minute later, Nigeria could even have taken the lead, but Peter Olawale’s effort came off the base of the post.

Ajax striker Hansen grabbed his brace in the 15 minute when he struck a left-footed strike.

He completed his hat-trick on 80 minutes from the penalty spot after VAR ruled that Ferdinard Ikenna handled the ball inside the box.

Nigeria continued to chase the game with Ibrahim Said’s full-blooded shot blocked for a corner by the goalkeeper and fullback Oluwatimilehin Adeniyi not clinical in front of goal.

The play was held up for six minutes in the first half after the medics had to attend to the injured Dutch goalkeeper.

A fine save denied Charles Etim in the 70 minute as Nigeria continued to chase the game after the interval.

The Eaglets pushed forward time and time again with Akinkunmi Amoo and Olusegun the main forces.

But the tactically astute Dutch kept them at bay.