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Nigeria defeat Mexico in Under-17 World Cup to reach final vs. Mali

Nigeria continued their fine goal scoring form by beating Mexico 4-2 in the semifinals of the Under-17 World Cup in Chile on Thursday.

The Super Eaglets reached their second straight final after their 2013 triumph, where they will face Mali, who defeated Belgium 3-1 earlier in the day.

Kevin Magana opened the scoring for Mexico in the seventh minute by controlling a loose ball in the box and firing home at the near post.

But Nigeria responded with two goals to take the lead before half-time.

Kelechi Nwakali equalised with a curling free kick in the 35th minute, and Orji Okwonkwo put them ahead with a shot off the underside of the crossbar.

Mexico equalised after the break when Diego Cortes produced one of the goals of the tournament with a 50-yard solo run, evading five defenders before poking home Mexico's second.

But it wasn't long before Nigeria were ahead again through Osinachi Ebere's strong right-footed shot, and Victor Osimhen made it a comfortable finish with a late penalty.

Osimhen's ninth goal of the tournament tied the Under-17 World Cup record.

It will be an all-African final after Mali advanced by seeing off Belgium.

Dante Rigo had provided the European side with an early lead, but Boubacar Traore quickly equalised.

Mali took control in the second half after a fortunate bounce stranded the Belgian keeper and Sidiki Maiga scored, and Sekou Koita capped the scoring with five minutes to play.