Africans setting the pace in this tournament
Top Goals- Nigeria (14)
Top Attacking- Mali (92 ATTEMPTS)
Top Scorer- Victor Osimhen (NGR) 7 goals
Top Saves- Samuel Diarra (MALI) 8 Saves 1 Goal Against

Icon4s:


The other way is not easier either. Would u have preferred we played Mali in the Q/Final? Dnt rule out Belgium as u recall they played 1-1 with Mali at the grp stage. And for Costa-Rica to hold the rampaging French team to a 0-0 draw at regulation time it means they are a good side too.

For me I think the tournament just really started. Days of 5-0, 5-1,6-0 wins are over I think.We are facing the real contenders now.

I would love a Nigeria Mali final!

Mali should have won the game against Belgium by at least 3 goals. Mali looked like a far better team than Belgium in the first game.

Diarra's stats is based on a kind of percentage coz the Likes of Moud (24 saves), Akpan Udoh (12saves) and few others have more saves..... *but in terms of save % ratio, Diarra leads*

Diarra's save percentage should stand at maybe over 90%. Udoh's stand at 80 % or so..... And so it goes.

So yeah, Mali's Diarra takes it as The Tournament's leading goalie at the moment. (Coz out about maybe 9 or 10 shots on goal against mali, Diarra had stopped like 8 of them). So his save percentage is the highest (I'll put this down also to this fact: Diarra has not really been "tested" but he's a fine goalie all the same).

*smiles*

safarigirl:
Africans setting the pace in this tournament

Top Goals- Nigeria (14)

Top Attacking- Mali (92 ATTEMPTS)

Top Scorer- Victor Osimhen (NGR) 7 goals

Top Saves- Samuel Diarra (MALI) 8 Saves 1 Goal Against

safarigirl:
Chukwueze is 3rd on the log, behind Eggestein with 3 goals and 2 assists, one more and he'll go second. Nwakali is 6th.

Nobody can catch Osimehn at the top

I'm Not Saying They Should Compete With Him,Wah I Meant Was That Chukwueze And Nwakali Should Brace Up To Have More Goals So As To Cover Up For Osimehn In case Other Players Wanna Compete With Him.

TheSuperNerd:
Diarra's stats is based on a kind of percentage coz the Likes of Moud (24 saves), Akpan Udoh (12saves) and few others have more saves..... *but in terms of save % ratio, Diarra leads*

Diarra's save percentage should stand at maybe over 90%. Udoh's stand at 80 % or so..... And so it goes.

So yeah, Mali's Diarra takes it as The Tournament's leading goalie at the moment. (Coz out about maybe 9 or 10 shots on goal against mali, Diarra had stopped like 8 of them). So his save percentage is the highest (I'll put this down also to this fact: Diarra has not really been "tested" but he's a fine goalie all the same).

*smiles*

I Think It Was Based On The GOALS CONCEDED.

Udoh Has Conceded 3 Goals...
Moud Has Conceded 2 Goals...
Diarra Conceded Only 1 Goal...

So,Diarra Takes The Lead.
Just My Opinion Though.

always a pleasure drawing Brazil just hope this guys don't concede an early goal like d u-20 did.this Brazilian team like their u-20 counterpart are too weak to bear Brazil I remember watching a papa ajasco episode where a teacher asked ajasco what Brazil exports he said they export footballers but like ronaldo el phenomeno said "Brazil has stopped producing world class talent"

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safarigirl:
Brazil is the weakest team in this round. Luck has been pushing them, they're relatively weak compared to past sets.

Mali and Croatia should be one to watch, toughest draw this round

I secretly hope for a Croatian win

Honestly both are potential threats to the NGR side, I kinda wish Mali wins cos Croatians seems more defensive & cohesive.

inimitkel:

Honestly both are potential threats to the NGR side, I kinda wish Mali wins cos Croatians seems more defensive & cohesive.

From the teams left, Mali is certainly one of the strongest. They string passes together beautifully. I think they will get past Croatia and to the final.

[b][size=14pt]
Beninoise FA Lures 3 Nigerians Into Benin U-17
Taofeek Lawal
[/size]
The Football Association of the Republic of Benin is making frantic efforts to convince three Nigerians belonging to A-Square Soccer Academy, who just returned from a West African playing tour to become Beninoise nationals and join the Beninoise under-17 team.

The academy, which has the secretary of the former Nigeria Football Association (NFA) Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi as its grand patron just returned from a playing tour which took them to Benin, Togo and Ghana.

While speaking with newsmen on their arrival in Ibadan at a small reception held by Ogunjobi before heading to Ilesa, Osun State where the team is camped, the team’s coach, Okiki Oladiran Stephen revealed that Alao Kabiru, Ifoni Pepo and Adesina Temitope have been invited by Benin FA.

The boys, according to the academy’s officials, was spotted by Abiodun Anosi and Adjileye Raimi, both members of Benin Football Association while playing against Dragons Feeders Team, All Stars Team and Avranku FC Benin at the Porto Novo Stadium, Benin and have since been making frantic efforts to convince their parents to allow the boys join the Benin national U-17.

Two other members of the team, Olayinka Johnson and Alao Monsuru, were also approached by the Benin top club to put pen to paper for Dragons FC.

“All these boys were picked from all participating states that featured in the Oba Aromolaran National Soccer Tourney played in Ilesa last year and assembled by the organisers of the competition, A-Square Sports International,” Ogunjobi noted.
[/b]
leadership.ng/sports/470677/beninoise-fa-lures-3-nigerians-into-benin-u-17

[b][size=14pt]
Pinnick praises Eaglets, wants focus on trophy
[/size]
President of Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick has applauded the six-star performance of the Golden Eaglets in routing Australia to reach the FIFA U-17 World Cup quarter -finals early Thursday morning.

The Cup holders started slowly as the Aussies swamped all over the pitch at the Estadio Sausalito in Vina del Mar, but the tactically aware and inventive Eaglets waited for the right time to land the sucker punch, and then took the game by the jugular as the young boys from Down Under literally went down under the superior savvy and precision of the world champions.

“I must start by pouring encomiums on the players and officials of the Golden Eaglets, not just for the victory over Australia that has taken us closer to the objective of retaining the trophy, but also for their general comportment and discipline which has been acknowledged by all at the World Cup in Chile.

“They have been doing the nation proud. The victories over USA, host Chile and now Australia were well –deserved, because they toiled and invented and never let up, even when leading the opposition. Even when they lost to Croatia, they played with their hearts. The NFF is very proud of Coach Emmanuel Amuneke and the players,” stated Pinnick.

Before the players departed for Argentina for their final training camp, Pinnick met with Coach Amuneke and the players and charged them to do everything they could to retain the trophy, won for an unprecedented fourth time for Nigeria by the Manu Garba –led Class of 2013. The NFF boss reminded the players and coaches that President Muhammadu Buhari was the first Nigerian leader to receive the FIFA Cadet World Cup, in his first coming as a military Head of State in 1985. That year, Nduka Ugbade-led the squad that won the inaugural tournament in China.

“I assure you that President Buhari will also be waiting to receive the trophy again this time, and you all would be the first group of footballers to be hosted specially by the President,” said Pinnick.

On the eve of their first match against USA in Santiago, the players and coaches received an even heftier charge from President Muhammadu Buhari himself, telling them to go for the trophy.

“The NFF is happy with the progress the team has been making, but I want them to focus hard on the challenges ahead and know that the trophy is the ultimate. They are so close to glory but they must be focused and have strong mental attitude on the field of play.”

The Eaglets take on Brazil for a place in the semi-finals at the now –familiar Estadio Sausalito in Vina del Mar (where they pounded host Chile 5-1 and victimised Australia 6-0) on Sunday (starting 8pm Nigeria time).
[/b]
thenationonlineng.net/pinnick-praises-eaglets-wants-focus-on-trophy/

[b][size=14pt]
Fans applaud Eaglets
[/size]
A cross section of football fans in Lokoja, on Thursday applauded the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria 6-0 victory over Australian in the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile.

Following the defeat the team has qualified for the round of 16.
The fans in separate interviews withNews Agency of Nigeria (NAN) commended the Eaglets for their outstanding performance at the tournament so far.

Sunday Ige, Sports Director, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Ilorin, said he was really impressed by the performance of the team.

According to him, the boys did not allow their previous 0-2 loss to Croatia to deter them from winning their next match.

He said they were passionate and patriotic in proceeding to the quarter-finals. “I am convinced that they poised to win the trophy again’’.

The director, however, urged the team to continue to improve on their defensive tactics, while maintaining their winning speed.
Clement Dajili, Coach of Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission’s (ICPC) Football Club, hailed the team, saying they made the country proud.

“The team is a promising teamand if kept together, I am optimistic the boys will win the trophy again.”

Rasheed Ajibade, an ex-International, said: “It is only when the final whistle is blown at the end of the final match, that will actually hail them for an outstanding performance.
[/b]
thenationonlineng.net/fans-applaud-eaglets/

[size=14pt]
Omeruo urges Eaglets to keep up the good work
[/size]
Kenneth Omeruo has congratulated the Golden Eaglets for qualifying for the quarter – final of the FIFA Under 17 World Cup.

The Chelsea loanee, who played for Nigeria at the 2009 edition of the tournament, has urged the boys to keep firing on all cylinders.

“Congratulations to the Nigerian under 17 boys who trashed Australia 6-0 to get to the quarter finals.. Keep going boys, ” Omeruo tweeted on Thursday morning.

The central defender has also congratulated Middlesbrough, the club he spent last season on loan, for knocking out Manchester United from the Capital One Cup.

He said : “Another big congrats to @Boro great game yesterday and an amazing result against Manchester United. ”

Kenneth Omeruo has resumed full training with Kasimpasa after recovering from a hamstring complaint but only made the substitutes bench against Bursaspor.

thenationonlineng.net/omeruo-urges-eaglets-to-keep-up-the-good-work/

Mali vs Croatia is going to be an interesting encounter. These two teams are good, very good.

Mali have only conceeded a goal via a penalty. They have the highest attempts on goal, 92 attempts in just 4 games and 36 attempts against them(average of 8 attempts per game). But to me they've played against average teams (Belgium, Ecuador, Honduras) grp stage and North Korea round of 16. Yes 3 teams from that group are through to quarter final.
Croatia is the perfect test for Mali. Croatia is made up of dinamo zagreb's players, they play week in week out and the teamwork is there. We've seen this in their games against Usa, Nigeria and Germany. They've defeated 2 favorites(Nigera nd germany) already knocking one out. Croatia is still unbeaten in 15 games.

I want Mali to defeat Croatia. Croatia will have significant morale boost if they should defeat Mali(another favorite). That will be 3 favorites in a row Nigeria-germany-Mali. They will be too difficult to defeat if we should meet again.

Badosqi:
I want Mali to defeat Croatia. Croatia will have significant morale boost if they should defeat Mali(another favorite). That will be 3 favorites in a row Nigeria-germany-Mali. They will be too difficult to defeat if we should meet again.

Your head dey there

Badosqi:
I want Mali to defeat Croatia. Croatia will have significant morale boost if they should defeat Mali(another favorite). That will be 3 favorites in a row Nigeria-germany-Mali. They will be too difficult to defeat if we should meet again.

Mark my words, if we play Croatia again we will trash them.

BascoVanVeli:


Mark my words, if we play Croatia again we will trash them.

Gbam

Good Nigerians appreciate the GOALKEEPER-Udoh Akpan.Kudos must go to the man(Trainer)-Emeka Amadi who has been saddled with the responsiblity of training and developing the young lads,he did it with Alampasu and now the world is seeing another potential Great keeper in Akpan Udoh.I think it clearly shows that the Emeka Amadi knows his onions.
In reply to the comment that chukwueze and Nwakali were discovered by Manu so Osimhen is the only discovery of Amunike.IT IS A BIG LIE because AMUNIKE discovered the two boys and influenced their invitation to the pre world cup camp of the 2013 set.
So many Nigerians never believed in this boys and that has been the boys' motivating factor.Amuneke should be praised for the good work despite the lack of support from the NFF(No salaries,No Allowances)......Nigeria our Country!!!!!!Wish the boys all the very best today against Brazil

A battle between two former champions,
including the holders, highlights the opening day
of quarter-final action at the FIFA U-17 World
Cup Chile 2015, while the winner of the day’s
other last eight clash will make history in Chillan.
Three-time champions Brazil face off against
four-time winners and holders Nigeria in Vina Del
Mar for the first time at this level before Croatia
and Mali face off for a spot in what would be
either side’s inaugural semi-final at this level.
Match of the day
Brazil-Nigeria, Vina Del Mar, 1 November 2015,
16:00 (local time)
Vina Del Mar has been a kind venue for A Seleção
in the past, playing host to four of Brazil’s games
in their victorious FIFA World Cup campaign in
1962, with that trend continuing with two
victories at the Estadio Sausalito during Chile
2015. Nigeria stand in the way of Carlos
Amadeu’s men continuing their charmed streak
in Vina, and the imperious Victor Osimhen will be
giving Brazil’s defenders restless nights ahead of
the quarter-final. The Nigerian No9 has scored
seven goals in four games. Seven is also the
number of titles shared between these sides, but
this game is remarkably the first meeting
between the two sides at this level, although the
nations’ U-20 sides faced off in New Zealand
earlier this year – with Brazil the 4-2 victors.
The other match
Croatia face Mali in a truly ground-breaking
game. The European side played in and won
their first U-17 World Cup knockout game against
Germany in the previous round, and face Mali in
a FIFA tournament for the first time. Mali might
have reached this stage twice before (in 1997
and 2001), but they have never gone further,
meaning the victors would reach the final four at
the U-17 global finals for the first time. The
African side saw off Korea DPR in a dominant
performance in the Round of 16, and now boast
the best defensive record in the tournament,
having conceded just one goal – against Ecuador
in the group stages. Croatia will need all the
creative guile of Nikola Moro and their
technically gifted frontmen to unlock the
Africans, with the Croat captain registering two
goals and two assists so far.
Player to watch
Josip Brekalo (Croatia)
While Moro has stolen the headlines in Chile,
Brekalo has been in inspired form in South
America. The No7 was sensational against
Germany in the previous round, consistently
attacking the right side of the DFB-Nachwuchs
defence with a tormenting combination of
intricate footwork and devastating delivery. He
hit the woodwork and was instrumental in both
goals, crossing for Moro’s opener and snatching
possession before setting free Ivan Delic to tee
up Davor Lovren’s late tap-in. The African’s
superb defensive record so far will certainly be
under threat from the gifted Dinamo Zagreb
youngster.
The stat
200 minutes without conceding a goal for Mali at
this tournament. They have some way to go to
catch the record, a staggering 830 minute run
set by Nigeria at the 1987, 1989 & 1993 finals.
The words
“We are candidates to win the title, but so are
Brazil. We will work to put up a good fight,"
Emmanuel Amuneke, Nigeria coach.

http://www.fifa.com/u17worldcup/news/y=2015/m=10/news=new-ground-broken-as-quarters-begin-2723558.html

People always accuse Nigeria of age cheating and i have always opposed that notion. Yes some old men might slip through the cracks and play for our under 17 but to accuse the teams as a whole is just plain wrong.
The typical African child is stronger than their western counterpart and this is without even playing sports. Most African children do alot of rigorous tasks on a daily bases, for instance fetching water everyday or cutting grass. By the time a child reaches 15 he might be as strong as most men. So of course they can then physically dominate their agemates from other countries.

Now why do they not get better?
Them not progressing in their careers proves nothing to me because not everyone improves, sometimes we get to a certain level and try as u might u will never pass it. Also most these boys don't have the right amount education for them to survive in a professional job. We forget that playing football is a job and for every job we all need the same basic skills thought in schools no matter what line it is. If we want players that will make us proud we have to educate these boys, either force the academies to have classrooms or we bring back secondary school football because one thing is for sure Nigeria will win these tournaments regardless but we need to start thinking about these kids future.