An Ibrahim Said’s hattrick ensured Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets booked a place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA U-17 World Cup after the team defeated Ecuador 3-2 on Tuesday.

The five-time winner of the tournament began the encounter like a house on fire as they took an early lead through Ibrahim Said’s brilliant finish in the 5th minute.

Despite the team dominance, Ecuador leveled parity a few minutes later through Daniel Jinadu’s own goal in the 10th minute.

The South American team took the lead in the 56th minute via a penalty that was converted by Johan Andreé Mina.

However, the Nigerian team came back strongly as Said grabbed his double in the 86th minute with a cool finish before scoring the winning goal in the 89th minute that sealed the victory for the Golden Eaglets.

Nigeria is now currently leading the group and will face Australia in the final Group B fixture on Friday.