Eaglets lose to Croatia in last group match

The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria could not set a new record for consecutive victories at the U-17 global finals after 2-1 loss to Croatia.

Their run of seven wins in a row sees them level with Brazil (1997-1999), Mexico (2011) and Switzerland (2009).

It was the second time Croatia will beat their Nigerian counterparts this year after they won 3-2 at an invitational tournament in Korea recently.

However, Nigeria still finished top of Group A with six points while Croatia were second with five points.

Croatia, knowing a win would be enough for them to advance to the knockout stages, came from behind to advance to the knockout stages.

The Europeans started the match in Coquimbo with great determination and created a number of chances.

Croatia captain Nikola Moro had a shot from around the penalty area deflect off Nigeria’s defenders.

Four minutes later, Nigeria had their first significant chance of the match when Victor Osimhen, after an impressive counter attack, slotted a shot past Croatia goalkeeper Adrian Semper only for it to hit the base of the goal post.

Osimhen would not have to wait too long to give his side the lead after another swift counter attack, he calmly danced around Semper to score the opener.

Croatia almost equalised but a free-kick in the 39th minute by Moro was saved by Nigeria keeper Akpan Udoh.

When the referee blew the whistle for half-time, Croatia had 18 attempts to Nigeria’s three, but it was the Africans who held the important advantage – the scoreline.

All that changed in the 50th minute after Josip Brekalo scored the equaliser after Moro wriggled his way along the Nigerian defence’s goal-line and found his team-mate on the back post.

Dario Basic’s Croatia then used their momentum to take the lead four minutes later when they capitalised on an error from Nigeria’s backline.

Karlo Majic curled in a right-footed shot to score his second of the tournament and, more importantly, give his team the lead.

There were chances for both sides towards the end and Nigeria threatened to score an equaliser in the final minutes but Europeans held on to their lead in the end to become the first Croatian team ever to reach the Round of 16 in the tournament.

They will now face the runners-up in Group C on Thursday, October 29 while Group A winners Nigeria will wait to see which third-placed team from Groups C, D or E they will come up against in the Round of 16 on Wednesday, October 28.