U17 World Cup : Los Pibitos Lose, Finish Second In Group A

A dubious decision by the referee cost us the opportunity to finish top of Group A as host, Nigeria came back from a goal down to win 2-1.

The Golden Eagles came strongly within the moment from kick off but Los Pibitos responded with a nice build-up which lead to the first goal of the game. Esteban ORFANO took control of the ball, burst into the area and slammed a left-footer home to stunned silence from the home crowd in the 2nd minute.

However Nigeria didn't have to wait long for the equalizer as a corner kick was flicked on expertly at the near post by Kenneth OMERUO, for Omoh OJABU to push home from six yards out in the 5th minute.

After that, Argentina were looking to maintain some possession with a hope of finding another breakthrough against the Nigerians defense. But it was their opponent who almost had the golden chance to take the lead before half time through Sani EMMANUEL. Goalkeeper Ignacio ARCE was again forced to make another face when he pushed Ramon AZEEZ's dangerous snap shot from 30 yards around the post.

In the second half, it was almost all Nigeria as they were pushing themselves very hard for a winner. They finally got their opportunity when Federico RASMUSSEN hauled down Olarenwaju KAYODE in the penalty area. Substitute EMMANUEL stepped up to hammer home for Nigeria’s winning goal.

With this results it is confirmed that Los Pibitos are now placed second in the final standing of their group. Which means in the round of 16, they will play the team that finishes runner up in Group C. At the moment, it could either be Iran, Colombia or the Netherlands.