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The Nigeria U-17 team, the Golden Eaglets, recorded a bright start in their FIFA U17 World Cup title defence bid as they handed a 2-0 defeat to their USA counterparts on Saturday night in Santiago, Chile. The Eaglets, who are hoping to win a record fifth FIFA U-17 World Cup title in Chile, had it initially rough against the Americans as the first half of the opening Group A game failed to produce any goal for both sides.

However, the Coach Emmanuel Amuneke-tutored side got the breakthrough they deserved five minutes into the second half as Chukwudi Agor benefited from an awful defensive display by the Americans to score Nigeria’s first goal in the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup, a goal that followed a goal mouth scramble.

With more possession at their disposal and better display, the Eaglets just after the hour-mark doubled their lead and this time it was through their star striker, Victor Osimhen. Osimhen held his nerve despite the attempt to stop him by the American defenders before masterfully placing the ball to the right side of the net. The goal seemed to weaken the Americans, who couldn't receded to their half for most part of the remaining playing time.

The Americans ended the game with 10-men after a straight red card was given to Trusty in the 87th minute after his rash challenge on Nigeria’s second goal scorer Osimhen. The next stop for the Eaglets is the much anticipated tough clash against hosts Chile on Tuesday. On their part, USA will be up against Croatia.

Meanwhile, The Home-based Super Eagles  defeated Burkina Faso 2-0 in Saturday’s African Nations Championship final round qualifier, first leg played at the Adokiye Amiesiamaka Stadium, Port Harcourt Goals from Bature Yaro and Gbolahan Salami were all the Eagles needed to breeze the visitors aside towards ensuring qualification for the competition billed for Rwanda in 2016. The home team dominated proceedings right from kick off and almost got the lead after Ezekiel Bassey flicked a cross to Tunde Adeniji who missed by narrowly.

Yaro had his first chance at goal in the 21st minute after finding space in the Stallions backline but his efforts yielded no positive result at it was saved by the goalkeeper. Three minutes later, he made amends for his earlier miss by scoring from close range. Nigeria could have doubled the lead 11 minutes later but Osas’ shot kissed the cross bar after Ifeanyi Mathew’s initial chance had been saved.

In the second half, both teams attacked endlessly in search of goals – the visitors came close twice but Kalu Orji was at his best to clear his defence line. In the 63rd minute, Chisom Chikatara missed a sitter after exchanging a one on one pass with Salami. With less than 18 minutes to go, Bassey was fouled in the Burkinabe’s goal area, with Salami converted the spot kick. A draw for Nigeria in the second leg will hand the Super Eagles a ticket to make their second appearance in the history of the competition.