Nigeria U23 have advance to the quarterfinal 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.