Former international, Garba Lawal has lauded the Eaglets for reaching their seventh FIFA U17 World Cup finals but said they are going to be up against a very tough Malian side.

While Nigeria is the defending champion of the U17 World Cup, Mali are the reigning African champions.

Speaking to Daily Trust Saturday ahead of tomorrow's final match of the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup in Chile, the former Super Eagles utility player said the Eaglets would meet hard fighting opponents.

According to him, Mali have not won the trophy before so the final match is an opportunity for them to make history.

"I am so pleased with the performance of the Golden Eaglets. They are now a step away from another title.

"The final match against Mali is going to be a tough one. It is an-All African final and the existing rivalry is going to be rekindled," he said.

Lawal also noted that it is going to be a physical game so the Eaglets will have to be a bit physical when necessary so that they are not bullied around by the Malians.

" It is going to be a physical game so I urge the Eaglets to be careful but not too soft to be pushed around by their opponents who are surely going to play the 'African style' of football.

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