Defending champions, Nigeria, defeated African champions, Mali 2-0 in the early hours of Monday – becoming only the second team to retain the FIFA U-17 World Cup trophy in Vina Del Mar, Chile.
The Golden Eaglets are world champions for a record fifth time after seeing off their West African neighbours in a highly physical yet entertaining climax to the tournament.
Second half strikes from tournament top scorer, Victor Osimhen, and Funsho Bamgboye ensured the Nigerians overcame a first half penalty miss from Osinachi Ebere.
The penalty came as both sides were just finding their rhythm in the opening exchanges, Chato the culprit with a handball.
Ebere saw his low effort saved brilliantly by Samuel Diarra, his follow up header hit the bar before a third bite of the cherry was blocked by the Malian defence.
Both sides had chances in a tense opening period, with Eaglets skipper Kelechi Nwakali hitting just wide and Boubacar Traore seeing his glancing header tipped over by Akpan Udoh.
The second half saw the game burst into life, with Emmanuel Amunike’s words clearly working their magic on the Nigerian youngsters.
Good approach play by substitute Chinedu Madueke saw him tee up Osimhen for his record-breaking goal, seeing him surpass the nine goals scored by Florent Sinama Pongolle in 2001 and Souleymane Coulibaly 10 years later.
The holders doubled their advantage mere minutes later, with Bamgboye bursting down the Nigerian left before smashing a powerful effort at goal, Diarra standing little chance.
Despite a couple of late chances for Mali, from corner kicks, Nigeria retained possession for large spells and saw the game out to retain their crown.
Nigeria duo, Osimhen and Nwakali were awarded with the Golden and Bronze Boots as the first and third top scorers in the tournament.
The pair also clinched the Golden and Silver Balls respectively for the most outstanding players in the competition.
In the third place playoff, Belgium defeated Mexico 3-2 to win bronze.
The next edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup will be held in India in 2017.
