of the ongoing Olympic men’s football
tournament after a 1-0 win over Sweden at
the Arena Amazonia in Manaus on Sunday
night.
Sadiq Umar’s header was all the African
champions became the first country to reach
the last eight after narrow win over the
European champions.
Nigeria started off impressively showing
greater intent in attack as they pushed
forward in search of goals early while the
European U21 champions were content to
soak up the pressure.
Goalkeeper Andreas Linde was the busier on
the night as Oghenekaro Etebo forced him to
make a double save following a miss by
Simon Tibbling at the other end.
Etebo continued to trouble the young Blagult
backline with the support of front men Imoh
Ezekiel and the lanky Sadiq.
It would take 39 minutes for Nigeria to finally
break the deadlock when Sadiq got onto the
end of a pinpoint cross into the Swedish area
by full back Stanley Amuzie.
The AS Roma forward was right on target as
he nodded his side ahead in a half where
they shaved possession by 68 percent.
The Nigerians coasted in the second half but
they could not convert their chances with
Etebo, scorer of four goals against Japan, left
frustrated with his inability to beat Linde.
A late rally from the Swedes led by Joakim
Nilsson met a sturdy Nigeria central defence
marshaled by William Ekong and Muenfuh
Sincere.
Nigeria’s all round play was much better
than against Japan as Mikel John Obi,
Azubuike Okechukwu and Usman Muhammed
kept the opponents in check.
Mikel’s turns
and swift runs gave the attack the extra man
as the Chelsea star continued to influence
proceedings until he was subbed off late on.
With six points from the first two group
matches, Nigeria have qualified for the
quarter finals ahead of their final game
against Colombia.
Sweden will take on Japan in the last game
for a chance to reach the knock out stage.
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