2023 Fifa U17 WC: Arsenal, Man City forwards of Nigerian descent feature as England seal dramatic win v Iran

2017 world champions England came from behind to seal a dramatic win over Iran in their second group game of the 2023 Fifa U17 World Cup, with two players of Nigerian descent on parade at the Jakarta International Stadium. 

Young Lions boss Ryan Garry handed Arsenal forward Ethan Nwaneri his first start of the competition while Manchester City striker Justin Oboavwoduo was surprisingly left out of the starting lineup despite his brace in the record 10-0 win over New Caledonia at the weekend.

With England in search of an equalizer and probably a winner, Garry looked to his bench for more attacking options, bringing on Oboavwoduo to replace Nwaneri in the 59th minute. 

It appears Nwaneri's game time is being managed to prevent him from suffering a relapse of the injury that kept him sidelined for several weeks before the World Cup.

Against the run of play, the Iranians broke the deadlock just past the half-hour mark as Abolfazl Zamani lashed home from close range after the Young Lions failed to clear a corner. 

Reiss Denny, who came off the bench in the 59th minute, leveled matters with a low drive in the 63rd minute and Joel Ndala's stunning effort in the 90th minute earned England a win. 

England have all but secured qualification to the last sixteen with six points from their opening two games ahead of their blockbuster clash with Brazil at the Jakarta International Stadium on Friday afternoon.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: fifa.com

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