ENITAN OBADINA / AIPS* in SHARJAH: Nigeria made it third time lucky as they defeated Uruguay – at last – by 2-0 in the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013.

Uruguay had edged the countries’ two earlier encounters this year at the U-20 World Cup in Turkey and Confederations Cup in Brazil with an identical 2-1 score line.

However this time Nigeria put Uruguay on notice right from the first minute when Musa Yahaya applied his trade make body swerve to go past his marker and send a shot over the bar.

Both team exchanged control of the game before Nigeria stepped up a gear in the 17th minute.

Kelechi Iheanacho showed he is not just a goal scorer but also a star in providing assists when sent a diagonal pass to Taiwo Awoniyi who took a first time shot to beat the goalkeeper and delight the vociferous Nigeria fans.

Nigeria never looked back after the goal but were guilty of missing chances after chances.

Taiwo Awoniyi was the main culprit but he also made amends with a cool finish from a classic team move.

Musa Yahaya picked up the ball in midfield and found Iheanacho who pulled it back for Awoniyi to score his second goal in the game.

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* AIPS, the international sports journalists association, is running a Young Reporters course at the FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013 with the support of the local organising committee and FIFA

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