TheCable

The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria continued their impressive start to their FIFA U-17 World Cup title defence after a 5-1 victory over hosts Chile to progress to the knockout stages.

A goal within 30 seconds by Samuel Chukwueze set the ball rolling for the defending champions.

The same player scored a second in the second half after he had earlier been fouled for Kelechi Nwakali’s to score from the spot, and before he was felled for Victor Osimhen’s successful spot kick goal.

Chile scored a consolation before Funsho Bamgboye was shown the red card. Still, Osimhen’s late header added to the tally, despite Nwakali missing his second penalty of the match after Chukwueze had been fouled in the penalty area for a third time.

Within 22 seconds of the game, Victor Osimhen sprinted down the Nigerian left and slid the ball across the Chilean penalty area. The onrushing Chukwueze slammed home with ease and precision.

The Nigeria No.8 played a big part in the second goal after he was brought down in the penalty box by Juan Jose Soriano.

Chukwueze then scored his second of the game after seeing an initial shot blocked before slamming a left-footed strike past Lopez.

He was again felled in the box by substitute Brian Leiva. For the second spot-kick, it was Osimhen who stepped up, and he matched Nwakali’s first effort by firing home.

Chile’s consolation came courtesy of Marcelo Allende, who slammed past Akpan Udoh from Luciano Diaz’s cross.

Despite Bamgboye’s late dismissal, for a rash challenge, Nigeria rallied and Osimhen grabbed his third of the tournament in two games.

Nwakali then missed his chance to double his own tally for the game from the penalty spot, after Chukwueze had been fouled for a third time.

Nigeria join Korea Republic in the last 16, with Chile are set to face the USA in a vital final clash back at the Estadio Sausalito on Friday.