The Golden Eaglets lost 2-1 to Brazilian side Sao Paulo FC in their penultimate preparatory game ahead of the FIFA U17 World Cup finals starting in Brazil on 26 October.

Danilo Silva opened scoring for the Brazilians in the 18th minute before Olakunle Olusegun restored parity for Manu Garba’s team who travelled early to the host country to maximize preparations and give themselves the best possible chance of success.

Nigeria missed many opportunities to make the game safe in the second half before Enrique Santos scored what ultimately proved to be the winner for Sao Paulo in the 85th minute.

The result might not have gone according to plan for Manu Garba but he would take plenty positives from a game which afforded him the chance to further analyze the performances of his players as he decides on his final 21 man squad for the tournament with one final tune up game to be played today.

Nigeria are record winners of the tournament with five titles achieved in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 with current coach Garba at the helm and most recently in 2015.

The Golden Eaglets are returning to the 24-nation tournament after missing the last edition in 2017 which was held in India and won by England.

They open their campaign in Group B against Hungary in Goiania on 26 October before playing Ecuador three days later at the same venue and then rounding off their group stage against Australia On 1 November in Brasilia.