Mexican hurdle awaits Eaglets in U-17 World Cup semi-finals

The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria will face Mexico in the semi-final match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup to be played in Concepcion, Chile, on Thursday.

The Mexicans booked the date with the defending champions after beating Ecuador 2-0 on Monday night.

Goals from Claudio Zamudio in the 41st minute and a second from Bryan Salazar from the spot in the 55th minute gave El Tri, two-time champions and finalists as recently as two years ago when they lost to Nigeria, an opportunity to avenge that defeat.

The Golden Eaglets qualified for the semi-final, on Sunday beating Brazil 3-0, with goals from Victor Osimhen, Kingsley Michael and Udochukwu Anumudu, all within five minutes in the first half.

Mali, the African champions, will play Belgium, who have now entered into uncharted territory at this level.

The Belgians reached the semi-finals in just their second appearance at the tournament after a 1-0 win over Costa Rica in Concepcion.