Friday, 28 September, 2001, 10:40 GMT 11:40 UK
Nigeria into U17 final

Players and coaching staff celebrate the 1-0 win

Nigeria have clinched a spot in the final of Fifa's under-17
World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso at the Larry Gomes
Stadium in Malabar.

Despite Burkina's goalkeeper Abdoul Kadre Kontougomde being named
man-of-the-match, he couldn't stop a fourth minute penalty from
Femi Opabunmi - the only goal of the game.

Nigeria play France in the final after they beat Argentina 2-1.

It will the second time in the tournament that the Golden Eaglets
meet France - they beat them 2-1 on 16 September in a group match.

It is the fourth appearance in the final for Nigeria who were
crowned champions in 1985 and 1993.

Burkina Faso play Argentina for third place - the two sides drew
2-2 in the first round

Nigeria's penalty came from a hand-ball in the area.

Omonigho Temile cross was knocked down by defender Amadou Coulibaly
using his arm.

Referee Samuel Richard Contreras immediately pointed to the
penalty spot.

Femi Opabunmi took the kick, becoming Nigeria's highest scorer
with five goals in the tournament.

Nigeria coach Musa Abdullahi realised the important of getting
an early advantage.

"We were lucky to get the early goal, but that is what the game
is all about - you get an opportunity, you utilize it, and that
is it".

Burkina Faso had their chances too, but Nigeria's Akpan Bassey
let nothing past him.

It was a superb display by both goalkeepers - quashing the idea
that Africa doesn't have talent in that area.

Burkina Faso head coach Jacques Michel Yameogo was quick to
praise his young keeper.

"He saved a lot of Nigerian chances and we are very happy he was
named man-of-the-match."

Nigeria will face France in the final on Sunday at 18:00 local
time at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, while
Burkina Faso play Argentina at 15:00.


        - The BBC News

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