It was their second meeting of the tournament but the result this time was the direct opposite of what obtained in the first meeting.

This evening at the Rashid Stadium in Dubai, three-time champions Nigeria humiliated Sweden 3-0 in the FIFA U-17 World Cup semi-final. When both sides met in Group F during the prelims, it had been a tough encounter that ended 3-3.

The Nigerian youngsters however had different ideas tonight, going into the break with a lone goal lead courtesy of a 19^th minute strike by Taiwo Awoniyi.

Iheanacho fired in what would have been the second goal in the 75^th minute but the referee ruled off side.

The Swedes pressed forward to level scores but the Eaglets stood firm, wrapping up victory with surprise goals in the 79^th minute through defender Samuel Okon after a sweet layoff from Kelechi Iheanacho, with Chidera Ezeh firing in from close range the next minute to complete the rout.

The result was a replica of what obtained in the first match in which Mexico beat Argentina to book a place in Friday’s final. Incidentally, Nigeria and defending champions Mexico met in their first match of the championship on October 19, with the Mexicans being mercilessly thrashed 6-1.

•Photo shows Golden Eaglets marksman, Taiwo Awoniyi, celebrates a goal.