Nigeria’s Olympics Team squad, Dream Team VI are through to the semi-finals of the ongoing Rio 2016 Olympics’ men football event after beaten Denmark 2-0 yesterday in Salvador, Brazil.
Two goals from scored by the team captain, Mikel Obi and Aminu Umar in each half of the encounter respectively ensured Samson Siasia’s side downed their European opponents to sealed their place semifinals.
The Chelsea midfielder continued to show his leadership quality, and led by example as he put Samson Siasia’s side ahead in the first half, but it was Umar who proved to be Nigeria’s match-winner with a fine header.
Mikel, one of two over-aged players in Coach Samson Siasia squad, scored the opening goal and assisted Aminu Umar with the second as the Africans cruise into the medal zone at the Olympic Games in Brazil.
Nigeria started the game without Oghenekaro Etebo, who suffered a knock in their last group game against Colombia. Much has been said about Oghenekaro Etebo’s absence against the Europeans, but Mikel Obi inspire side proved they are no one-man team with an impressive display.
After both sides were defeated in their respective final group games, each had a point to prove heading into the last eight clash. Nigeria were by far the most forward-thinking and took the initiative in the opening half, swiftly moving the ball to either flank to try and get in behind a sturdy Danish defence.
Imoh Ezekiel shone brightest for the Super Eagles, a constant thorn in the side of the Danes. He almost produced a goal in the opening minutes, but his blocked shot falling to Sadiq Umar, who could only find Denmark’s goalkeeper Jeppe Hojbjerg.
The Danes responded, with Casper Nielsen bringing the ball down superbly on his chest, before hitting an effort at goal which touched the crossbar on its way over.
At the end of the opening period, the Nigerians made their pace tell. Ezekiel burst down the left-hand side and into the Danish penalty area, before squaring across to Mikel, who had the simplest of tasks to side foot home.
Meanwhile, A cheering President Muhammadu Buhari Saturday night praised the indomitable spirit of the Nigerian soccer team to the Olympics Games, which saw them flying over Denmark 2-0 to qualify for the semi-finals.
According to a statement by his special adviser media, Femi Adesina, an elated President Buhari said :”Again and again, the unconquerable Nigerian spirit has come to the fore, showing that where there is a will, there’s always a way.
“This was a team that was not given much chance, but which has now advanced into the semi-finals. Go for it. Go for the gold, and let the Nigerian banner be held proudly aloft once again on the global stage. We are almost there. Let’s go.”
President Buhari urged the Nigerian nation to pray and support the Nigerian contingent to the Olympics, especially the soccer team, so that the rest of the world will know that even in the face of economic adversity, the Nigerian spirit remains resolute and lifted high.
“And this, we shall demonstrate in every sphere of our national life,” the President added.
The Nigeria’s U-23 will face Germany in Sao Paulo on Wednesday, which will be the first time the pair have met in an Olympic Football Tournament
No comments:
Post a Comment