Isaac key to Nigeria’s Success

Al Ail: Four goals from Kelechi Iheanacho helped three-time Fifa Under-17 World Cup winners Nigeria beat defending champions Mexico 6-1 in their Group F match at a packed Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium here on Saturday.

Success Isaac and Chidiebere Nwakali were also on target for the African side, with Mexico’s sole consolation coming from Ulises Jaimes.

Iheanacho might have stood out with his four brilliant goals, but his partner Isaac was also hugely impressive.

Both Isaac and Iheanacho had created waves in the African U-17 tournament in Morocco earlier this year — and the duo certainly impressed here. Every time Isaac had the ball at his feet, the Mexico defence looked vulnerable.

The holders were more purposeful in their attacks early in the first half and came close to scoring on a couple of occasions. However, Nigeria scored against the run of play in the 33rd minute through Iheanacho. Mexican keeper Raul Gudino saved Isaac’s shot, only for the Nigerian to collect the rebound and set up the overlapping Iheanacho, who blasted home with his left foot.

Buoyed by the goal, the Nigerians doubled the lead in the 40th minute through a counter-attack and again Isaac did all the groundwork before finding Iheanacho in the danger zone. Despite being surrounded by defenders, Iheanacho kept his cool and wrong-footed two opponents before scoring with a clinical effort, triggering wild celebrations among the Nigerian fans.

However, even before the celebrations could end, Jaimes scored for Mexico and Nigeria went into the break with a 2-1 advantage.

After the change of ends, Nigeria were all over their rivals and in no time Iheanacho completed his hat-trick with another brilliant strike after latching on to a throw-in.

That goal was enough to take the wind out of the sails of the defending champions and a series of raids saw them slip further behind when Nwakali blasted the fourth goal from way outside the box.

On the hour, Isaac also got into the scoring act, making a mockery of the Mexican defence with a solo effort, and the final nail in El Tri’s coffin was hammered by Iheanacho again in the 70th minute.

By the end one had to feel sorry for Mexican goalkeeper Gudino, who lacked support from his defence. Had it not been for him, Mexico would have conceded many more goals.