Golden Eaglets Said Helps Nigeria Win Over Ecuador With Hattrick

Golden Eaglets of Nigeria’s Said netted a hattrick to drag his side to the round of 16 of the U-17 World Cup in Brazil.

The youngster single-handedly secured the Golden Eaglets ticket into the next round.

Said’s brilliance in front oh his opponent goal saved Nigeria and coach Manu Garba their blushes as the boys advanced to the next round.

They ensured their move to the next round by beating Ecuador 3-2 with Said scoring all of Nigeria’s goals.

The youngster started the onslaught at the Estadio Olimpico in as early as five minutes. However, the fanfare was short-lived as the Golden Eaglet goalkeeper, Daniel Jinadu scored an own-goal.

Adrian Mejiai initially found the net and hit the bar before Jinadu slotted the ball home with his own body.

Ecuador started the second half stronger with the hope of pipping the Golden Eaglets to victory. They then won a penalty, one which Johan Mina beautifully to give his side a 2-1 lead.

That goal changed the complexity of the game as Nigeria sought an equalizer.

The final minutes of the encounter turned out to be the most decisive as both sides created chances on the both ends.

As soon as Nigeria’s appeal for a penalty was waved off after a VAR review, Mina nearly increased the lead. However, his shot was stopped in its tracks by the upright.

In the 84th minute, Said got the equalizer after the Golden Eagles had cooked up some beautiful link play.

It didn’t end here. Said went after another and found it, completing his hattrick in the process.

With that win, the Golden Eaglets extended their lead atop Group B having won six points from two matches.

They will be looking to secure easy passage into the knockout rounds when they take on Australia on Friday.

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