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Nigeria opened their under-17 World Cup campaign on Sunday with a 2-1 victory over France in South Korea
Nigeria opened their under-17 World Cup campaign on Sunday with a 2-1 victory over France in South Korea. A goal in either half was enough for the Flying Eaglets to overcome the European giants at the Gwangyang Soccer Only Field. The Nigerians dominated the early exchanges and took the lead through striker Macauley Chrisantus on 15 minutes. The breakthrough was made when France keeper Joris Delle failed to hold onto a shot before the striker pounced for the opener. The Europeans, who were on the back foot, improved but Nigeria keeper Laide Okanlawon did well to save a header from Thibaut Bourgeois just before the break. However, France were not to be denied the equaliser six minutes after the interval when a set-piece from Henri Saivet took a deflection and wrong-footed Okanlawon. But Nigeria rallied and grabbed the winner in the 64th minute when highly-rated striker Ibrahim Rabiu volley's past Delle. Nigeria's next outing is on Wednesday when they take on Japan. The other African sides taking part in the under 17 World Cup are Togo, Ghana and Tunisia. | ||
