The five-time winners, Golden Eaglets of Nigeria fell 2-1 to Australia in their final Group B game of the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil on Friday night.
The Eaglets who won their first two games top the group with six points despite the defeat to Australia.
Noah Biotic netted a brace for Australia, while Peter Olawale was on target for the Golden Eaglets.
The Golden Eaglets dominated the opening exchanges but were poor in front of goal.
The Australians who struggled to cope with the pace and trickery of Manu Garba’s boys, however, took the lead against the run of play in the 14th minute with Biotic slotting home off a perfect cross.
The lead lasted only seven minutes before Olawale restored parity with a fine effort from inside the box.
Botic, however, converted from the spot in the 54th minute.
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In the other Group B match, Ecuador beat Hungary 3-2 in a tough contest at the Estadio Olimpico Goiania to book their spot in the Round of 16.
Hungary scored first through Andras Nemeth in the 50th minute before Ecuador’s Pedro Vite and John Mercado netted two quick goals in the 66th and 68th minutes respectively to take 2-1 lead.
Nemeth completed his brace for Hungary when he drew level in the 73rd minute. Then Johan Mina grabbed an 86th-minute winner for the South Americans
Ecuador finishes second on six points as Nigeria but with interior goals difference, and claimed a Round of 16 spots.
Australia is third on four points, and they are in good stead to reach the round of 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams.
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