Although the biannual tournament has not produced an all-African final since September 4th, 1993 in Tokyo, Japan, this year’s edition looks quite promising for the two African nations. Nigeria ranks higher than any other team in the competition, having emerged winners four times and runners-up thrice. The west African nation are the defending champions after beating Mexico 3-0 in the 2013 edition hosted by the United Arab Emirates.
Mali, who are yet to lose a match in the tournament, will be looking to end their opponent’s dominance by reaching the finals and lifting the prestigious trophy. However, on the other hand, Nigerian will come all out to hunt for their fifth trophy in the history of the global competition.
The two African sides have registered impressive results so far and would want to prove a point by facing each other in the finals on Sunday if they beat their Thursday opponents. Nigeria have scored a total of 17 goals so far, 14 from open play and three from set pieces while their African counterparts have scored nine goals after 114 attempts. Mali boasts of one of the best attacking records in this year’s tournament but have had 29 of their shots blocked, 31 saved and 45 off-target.
Emmanual Amunike’s team are privileged to have the tournament’s top scorer Victor Osimhen, who has bagged eight goals and provided two assists so far for his team. Out of the eight goals, only one has been scored from the spot. Mali’s top scorer, on the other hand, is Sidiki Maiga with two goals and one assist. Judging from the statistics, fans should expect a highly offensive match, particularly from Nigerians, if the two teams make it to the finals.
Team records
Mali seem to have a better defensive record compared to Nigeria so far, having conceded only one goal in their last five matches. On the contrary, despite being clinical and ruthless in front of goal, Nigeria’s defense line has soaked in two more goals than their potential weekend opponents. The Aiglonnets could rely on this fact to penetrate the Golden Eaglets' defense line if they meet in the finals, and score quick goals to seal off the match early enough.
Nigeria and Mexico have met previously in the 2013 finals. The African outfit beat their South American rivals 3-0 to clinch the FIFA u17 World Cup. When the two sides meet again in the semi-finals this year, Nigeria will have an upper hand, having appeared in the final seven times. On the other side, Mali’s unbeaten run could inspire them a win in the semi finals against the Red Devils who have only scored five goals and conceded three.
Players to watch
Nigeria’s Osimhen will most-likely torment Mexico defenders by virtue of being the tournament’s top scorer with eight goals and two assists. The 17-year-old (pictured below) has attracted interest from top Premier League sides such as Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City.
Mali’s star player Sidiki Maiga (below) has managed to score only two goals and provided one assist, but his impressive team work and individual energy makes him standout. The talented forward is well-known for his selflessness and composure in front of goal, a decisive factor that could tear Belgium apart.
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It would be interesting to witness the second all-African grand finale since 1993 when Nigeria beat Ghana 2-1 to lift the FIFA U-17 World Cup trophy. If the two African sides meet, Mali will most likely carry the day by drawing inspiration from their unbeaten run and willingness to overwrite history.
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