Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets on Friday ended their Group F campaign with a 5-0 whipping of Iraq to advancing to the second round of the ongoing 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The Nigerian side won in style to finish top of their group ahead of rivals Mexico in their match at the Rashid Stadium in Dubai, in the competition holding at UAE.
Four goals in the first half set the tempo for the match to send the Iraqis home after three straight losses.
Mexico and Sweden also go through to the Round of 16 from the group in second and third places respectively.
Chidiebere Nwakali hit the woodwork after only two minutes, and it was a hint of things to come as the Nigerian side roared into incredible form.
Some seconds later, they took the lead when Musa Yahaya was fouled in the area and Musa Muhammed converted from the penalty spot.
The scorer turned provider a minute later, with his cross picking out Nwakali who had enough time and space to put the ball away from close range.
Nigeria were 3-0 after 18 minutes, when Kelechi Iheanacho laid on a fine pass for Taiwo Awoniyi, but which fell at the feet of Yahaya.
In the 41st minute, Yahaya took advantage of a rather grand error by the Iraqi goalkeeper, Hayder Mohammed, to poke home with ease from six yards out just before the half time.
On the stroke of full-time, Nigeria scored their fifth when substitute Chigozi Obasi hit home from 20 yards to take their goals tally in the group stages to 14.
