From plane to pitch, Nigeria soccer team wins Olympic opener

On 60 minutes Mothobi Mvala was sent off for a second yellow card, and life became more hard for the South Africans, but they held on and earned a useful 1-1 draw against the hosts, who are determined to win their first ever football Olympic gold. “For a team not to train for two days and put up this type of performance is a miracle”, Siasia said.

Abdullahi Shehu was able to deliver a handsome cross into the area which found Etebo, who perfectly chested it down and was able to find the back of the net to give Nigeria the 2-1 lead in the 10 minute.

The Dream Team were already leading 5-2 when Asano and Suzuki scored their consolation goals.

Nigeria’s next game is against Sweden on Sunday at 6pm in Manaus while Japan duels with Colombia at 9pm at the same venue. We have put this match behind us.

Japan had the game’s first chance but Emmanuel Daniel made a point blank save before Sincere Seth cleared away for a corner. That goal looked to have taken the life out of Japan, but they didn’t give up.

“Nigerians at home and in diaspora should continue to pray for the dream team so that as the team has started on winning note, it will also end up in winning its final match. So, we need to work on that”.

The former Warri Wolves player finished as top goal scorer (5) at the 2015 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations, helping Nigeria win the title and a ticket for the Olympic.

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There was no quick goal to follow, as both teams settled into the game, though it was Nigeria who had firmer grip of the match, confidently distributing play and forcing their East Asian opponents to sit deep with an eye on counter attacks.

Over the years, Team Nigeria athletes have been known for their flamboyant attires which showcase their vast cultural backgrounds.

Nigeria won the gold medal in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

Timi Ebikagboro, a Nigeria men’s soccer team spokesperson, documented the team’s journey on Twitter.