igeria took a giant step toward booking their place in the knockout stages of the FIFA U-17 World Cup with a 1-0 win over Honduras at the National Stadium in Abuja. The Central Americans tried to build a defensive wall against the hosts and holders from the outset, but Abdul Ajagun found a way through early in the second half to seal a slim 1-0 win for the Golden Eaglets.

With a backdrop of empty seats, despite free admission, Abdul Ajagun celebrates with his team mates after scoring against Honduras during the FIFA U-17 World Cup Group A on October 27, 2009 at Abuja National Stadium. (Photo by Joem Polles - FIFA)

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The second match from the capital started slowly, but the hosts managed to carve out the first chance of note after 16 minutes. Taking advantage of a bit of a mix-up in the Honduran rearguard, Edafe Egbedi rifled a shot in from 12 yards that brought the best out of goalkeeper Harold Fonseca.

The Golden Eaglets continued to press, however, and seemed to be camped out in the Central Americans' penalty area. On 28 minutes, Stanley Okoro steered his shot wide after being sent in clear on goal. Then, after a flurry of fruitless Nigerian attacks, Kenneth Omeruo had a golden chance to poke home at the back post, but his awkward header went harmlessly wide as the whistle went for the break with hosts having all of the possession but nothing to show for it on the scoreboard.

The visitors came out from the change room with renewed spirit, committing more men into attack than had been the case in a tentative opening period. On 50 minutes, qualifying top scorer and captain Antony Lozano tried his luck from 20 yards, forcing Dami Paul into a fine save. The hosts were back in control soon after, though, and seconds after Okoro missed a sitter from six yards, Abdul Ajagun lofted a delicate curler into the top corner from the edge of the box to make it 1-0 to the hosts in the 55th minute. The young Catrachos did their all to grind their way level, but in the end the Nigerians were able to hold onto their slender lead.

Nigeria next face already qualified Argentina on 30 October in Bauchi while Honduras, with no points from their two consecutive 1-0 losses, meet Germany in Abuja that same day.

Mexico stun Brazil in '05 replay

Mexico stunned Brazil to record an upset 1-0 victory in Lagos to put their 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign back on track. After slumping to an opening match defeat at the hands of Switzerland, the CONCACAF side bounced back in style to move level with the three-time champions with a win apiece in Group B.

In a first meeting between the two nations at this level since Mexico's victory in the 2005 final, the defining moment did not arrive until 20 minutes from time as Miguel Basulto flashed the ball home. Despite the hot and humid weather, both teams played in a high-tempo style for much of the match.

In a first half of limited goalscoring opportunities México's Abraham Coronado did well to get space on his marker and fire on goal from 25 metres only to see his shot fly over the crossbar midway through the opening period. Coronado then had the clearest chance of the first half cutting in from the right side and shooting from close range, but Alisson responded with a good save just a few minutes prior to the break.

Brazil continued the second half in much the same vein as they did the first by attempting to make dents in the Mexican armoury with a short passing game, but El Tri's defensive line coped with the threat with relative ease. Brazil did though come close with a beautiful shot by Coutinho from just outside the penalty area which was brilliantly saved by Jose Rodriguez diving to his left. Mexico's Carlos Campos almost scored directly from a free-kick, but Alisson punched to his left to deflect the ball for a corner.

At the midway point of the half Wellington had a gilt-edged chance to put Brazil in front only to miss the target from a good position on the left side of the penalty area. It was a moment Brazil were left to rue as Mexico claimed the only goal of a tight match moments later. A hitherto faultless display from Alisson was marred as the Brazilian custodian was unable to hold a corner and Basulto was on hand to gleefully smash home the winner.