UAE 2013: Eaglets Beat Iran 4-1 To Reach Quarter-Finals

Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets reached the quarter-finals of the ongoing FIFA Under-17 World Cup by defeating Team Melli Nojavanan of Iran 4-1 at the Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain on Tuesday.

Goals from Okon Dennis, Kelechi Iheanacho, Musa Muhamed and Musa Yahaya helped the coach Manu Garba-led team end Iran’s journey in the round of 16.

The Persians got their only goal late in the second-half through Ali Gholizadeh.

The Eaglets were 3-0 up at the interval and despite losing Iheanacho midway through the first-half kept their composure to finish off the encounter on a high.

Getty Image: Golden Eaglets Celebrates Victory Over Iran.
Getty Image: Golden Eaglets Celebrates Victory Over Iran.

Yahaya set up Okon in the 23rd minute and the defender coolly fired home the opener from the left side of goal.

Two minutes later Taiwo Awoniyi prodded a pass to Iheanacho from a quick counter and the Eaglets forward scored to increase his goal tally to five.

Nigeria scored their third goal three minutes to the break when skipper Mohammed capitalised on a defensive blunder to score his second goal of the tournament.

The Iranians returned after the interval prepared to make matters difficult for Nigeria but the three-time champions were wary of their opponents’ threat.

Despite a noticeable loss of concentration in the Nigerian half, a solo run by Yahaya resulted to a powerful effort some 25 yards from goal which was deflected into the Iranian’s net by their defender in the 75th minute.

Coach Ali Doustimehr’s men finally got a consolatory goal six minutes from full-time through Gholizadeh.

Nigeria will clash with Uruguay, who saw off Slovakia 4-2, in the quarter-finals.