By Amosu Adeboye, LAGOS
Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets sailed into the Round of 16 at the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil following a hard fought 3-2 win against Ecuador in their Group B clash on Monday night at the Estadio Olimpico , Giaonia.
Ibrahim Said netted a hat-trick for the Golden Eaglets in the thrilling encounter, while Ecuador got their goals through Daniel Jinadu’s own goals and Johan Mina’s penalty.
Both teams came out blazing from the blast of the whitlse with the intention of seizing the initiative.
It was Nigeria that however took the lead in the seventh minute with Said capitalising on a defensive blunder to put his side ahead.
The lead lasted just five minutes with Jinadu diverting home Mina’s long range effort which intiatlly hit the upright home.
The Eaglets dominated the remaining part of the first half but were unable to regain their lead.
Ecuador took the lead for the first time in the game when Mina converted from the spot in the 56th minute.
The South Americans looked to be coasting home with an important win before Said struck twice in the last five minutes to hand the Eaglets their second win in the competition.
Manu Garba’s boy’s will face Australia in their last group game on Friday.
