Izuchukwu Okosi
Germany were crowned 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup winners on Saturday evening after beating France 4-3 on penalties to lift their first-ever title as the world’s cadet champions.
Germany was a finalist in 1985 when China hosted the inaugural edition with Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets beating them 2-0 in the final.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe European sides had played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in regulation time.
A first-half penalty converted by Paris Brunner gave the Germans the lead which was extended by captain Noah Darvich six minutes after the break.
The Germans played the last 21 minutes with 10 men after youngster Winners Osawe – who has a Nigerian heritage – received a second yellow card.
Osawe is one of two Nigerian-born players in the German ranks with central defender Gideon Odogwu the other.
Nigeria’s U-17 side, the Golden Eaglets, who are the most successful national team in the tournament’s history with five titles in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015 failed to qualify for Indonesia 2023.
France boasting of several players of African origin pulled a goal back through Saimon Bouabre while Mathis Amougou restored parity and sent the final to penalties.
Goalkeeper Konstantin Heide saved two of the French penalties. Almugera Kabar fired home the winning shot for the German side.
Nigeria’s U-17 side, the Golden Eaglets, who are the most successful national team in the tournament’s history with five titles in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015 failed to qualify for Indonesia 2023.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
