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FIFA U17 World Cup champions Nigeria will battle host country Chile in a second group match as they look to book a place in the second round of the competition. The game will kick off 12 midnight of October 20 Nigerian time. The coach Emmanuel Amuneke-led team opened their campaign on Saturday with a 2-0 win over USA, while hosts Chile were held to a 1-1 draw by Croatia.

Amuneke said their winning start will further boost their confidence. “It was important we won the first  game since it would boost our confidence going into the next game  against hosts Chile, so we are happy but will continue to work harder,” he said. Nigeria have won the trophy four times and are now seeking a fifth title, while Chile are gunning for their first-ever title as their best performance at the competition was winning  bronze at Japan 1993, when they beat Poland 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Nigeria are participating in the competition for the 11th time, but this is Chile’s third appearance, having played at tournament in 1993  and  1997. Both countries have not met at this level previously. Former Golden Eaglets star Olanrewaju Kayode said the players should keep working hard game by game and not get carried away with the win over USA.

“They are good side. The win against USA is a good way to start the tournament.  They should keep working hard ahead of Chile game,” the Austria Wien striker said. “They should forget about the win over the USA and look ahead to the next game.  I  am sure they will reach the stage they wanted.”

Meanwhile, Super Eagles striker, Emmanuel Emenike, has announced that he is retiring form the national team after five years. He wrote on Instagram on Monday night, “No more Eagles career! After five great years, I am happy to announce that I have put full-stop to my national team career for the sake of national peace. It’s a pleasure for me to have played for this great country. I never regretted it and I think it’s the best time to end it. Million thanks to all the fans who have been very supportive during the good and bad times.

Emmanuel Emenike

“I am very proud of my performance, I am proud of my team mates and I am very proud of the nation called ‘Nigeria’. My AFCON gold medal is a sign of great achievement, My AFCON topscorer award speaks a lot about my commitment and dedication to the team. Super Eagles is a camp not a family house, and it shouldn’t be a threat zone for any individual.

“I have done according to our national anthem. “All my dreams came true in the national team, I dreamt to win Nations Cup for Nigeria after 20-years, I dreamt to played at the World Cup as well as to make a name for myself… In the space of five years, I got them. I’m a winner!

“For every disappointing fans, maybe due to my inability to re-establish my goal scoring instinct for Super Eagles, I will like to say I’m sorry but the ones I had scored counted well for the team. As long as Nigeria remains, you and I will always remember the name ‘Emenike’. Finally, I am happy to make a bow and continue supporting the team every time.” Emenike played 35 times for the Super Eagles and scored 16 goals.