Today in History: When Golden Eaglets won its 4th U-17 World Cup title in 2013

Today, November 8, 2023, marks exactly ten years since the Golden Eaglets won Nigeria's 4th U-17 FIFA World Cup title in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Asia, once again proved to be a good hunting ground for the Eaglets since the inception of the youth tournament which was first hosted by China in 1985.

The young Eaglets won the maiden edition after beating Germany 2-0 in the finals of what was then called Kodak Cup.

The Eaglets claimed their second title on another Asian soil in Japan 1993 after beating West African rivals Ghana in the grand finale.

Following that success, Nigeria had to endure an agonizing 12-year wait for her third FIFA U-17 title in South Korea 2007, on yet another Asian soil.

The Eaglets repeated another historic feat six years later winning their 4th title in the United Arab Emirates in 2013.

At the 2013 edition, the Eaglets were by far the dominant team in the tournament, scoring 23 goals - the most by any team in the tournament.

Nigeria also demolished defending champions Mexico 6-1 in the group stages after displaying the best-attacking football in the tournament.

The Eaglets were a beautiful sight to behold with the likes of captain Musa Mohamed, Success Isaac, Kelechi Iheanacho, Taiwo Awoniyi, Musa Mohamed, goalkeeper Dele Alampasu, Samuel Okon, Aliyu Abubakar, Abdulkadir Alfa, Musa Yahaya, Chidebere Nwakali, Chidera Ezeh and Zaharadden Bello selling some exciting football to fans.

After dispatching Mexico 6-1 in the group stages, the Eaglets faced the North Americans in the grand finale at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on November 8, 2013.

For a second time in the tournament, Nigeria beat Mexico 3-0 to emerge as champions courtesy of goals from Kelechi Iheanacho, Musa Muhammed Shehu, and an own goal from Erick Aguirre.

Kelechi Iheanacho won the Silver Boot after managing 6 goals and 7 assists in the tournament.

Golden Eaglets goalkeeper, Dele Alampasu also won the Golden Glove award.

Check out some highlights of the finals below:



WDN