By Amaechi Agbo

The minister of youth and sports, Sunday Dare has described the U-17 male team as ‘golden,’ youthful and fighters, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.

The minister made the comment after the Golden Eaglets survived Ecuador scare to book a place in the Round of 16 at the on-going 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil.

The Manu Garba-lads took the lead in the 5th minute through Sa’id Ibrahim strike but Ecuador rallied back into the game to ensure the teams ended the first half square.

The Ecuador players, being more composed, scored early in the second half but the Eaglets waited late to score two quick goals courtesy of Sa’id Ibrahim who scored hat-trick to go home with the Man of the Match award.

Expressing his delight over the team’s performance, the minister reacting via his twitter handle said, “These boys are golden! Youthful! Fighters! They deliver! The Nigerian spirit back on again! Congratulations to these young ones. Nigeria 3 Ecuador 2,” Mr Dare said.

With the victory, the Golden Eaglets have qualified for the knockout stage while Ecuador and Australia will battle for the second slot. Hungary has been knocked out of the championship after losing their first two matches.

Results of Group B matches

Nigeria 3-2 Ecuador
Hungary 1-2 Australia