Nigeria claim crown; Nwakali, Osimhen and Diarra strike gold

Chile, Nov 9, 2015: Nigeria lived up to their tag of pre-tournament favorites by overcoming a spirited Mali side 2-0 in the final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, thereby retaining the crown they secured so impressively two years ago in the United Arab Emirates. Belgium had earlier finished third, after seeing off Mexico in a pulsating opening game.

The showpiece match played out in the way many observers had predicted, partly because of the level of familiarity between the two teams, who both played starring roles at the 2015 CAF African U-17 Championship, where the Nigerians finished fourth and the Malians emerged victorious.

In Vina del Mar on Sunday, however, the Golden Eaglets’ attacking prowess eventually made the difference, as two goals in three second-half minutes sealed the destination of the trophy.

Although they retained the U-17 World Cup as a team, Nigeria were also well represented among the individual awards. Their captain, Kelechi Nwakali, picked up the adidas Golden Ball and the adidas Bronze Boot, while ace marksman Victor Osimhen pocketed the adidas Golden Boot and adidas Silver Ball.

FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015 – Official FIFA Awards

adidas Golden Ball Award

The Golden Ball will be awarded to the best player in the final competition on the basis of a ranking compiled by the FIFA Technical Study Group.

adidas Golden Boot Award

The Golden Boot will be awarded to the player who scores the most goals in the final competition. If two or more players score the same number of goals, the number of assists (as determined by members of the FIFA Technical Study Group) will be decisive. If two or more players are still equal the player playing fewer minutes will be ranked first.

adidas Golden Glove Award

The Golden Glove is awarded to the best goalkeeper on the basis of a ranking compiled by the FIFA Technical Study Group.

FIFA Fair Play Trophy (maximum: 1000 pts.)

This award is awarded to the team with the best fair play record, according to a point system and criteria stipulated in the Regulations of the FIFA U17 World Cup Chile 2015. —- FIFA