Sometimes life throw so much at you and turns its back on you. You put in all your effort but there are factors you have no control over thus you are hindered. Everything seem to be against you. You miss your flights, you missed your calls, injuries crave in and it seems everything is falling apart.
The Nigeria U-23 team arrived Manaus about 5 hours before kick off after the flight booking/scheduling drama with the authorities that be. I didn’t give them a chance but the reigning U-23 AFCON champions showed the world what Nigeria means. Against all odds, they saw off Japan in a 9 goal thriller.
Not so many Nigerians were awake to watch the Dream Team pull off this miracle by 2am local Nigerian time but everyone is excited at the response of the team despite the challenges it has faced in recent days.
Sadiq Umar opened scoring in the 6th minute with Nigeria’s fastest ever goal in the Olympics but the Japanese (Koroki) equalized within 3 minutes from the spot. Former Warri Wolves forward Etebo started his 4 goal rampage in the 11th but Minamino responded within 2 minutes. Etebo scored in the 42nd minute to give the Nigerians the lead at half-time.
Etebo went on to complete his double-brace with a 51st minute penalty and 66th minute goal. Arsenal’s Asano reduced the scoreline to 5-3 in the 70th minute. The jet-lagged and tired Nigerians held on but conceded a fourth from Suzuki in added time. 5-4, it ended. What a game?
5 – This is the 1st time #NGR will score 5 goals in an #Olympics football match. Raid. #Rio2016
In other Olympic football games, South Africa held off host Brazil, South Korea went haywire against Fuji Islands (8-0), Gnabry was on song for Germany in their 2-2 draw with Mexico, Honduras defeated Algeria 3-2, Sweden drew 2-2 with Colombia and Portugal saw off Argentina 2-0.
In other news, Arsenal will play Vikings FK today. Another preseason game. Szczesny has returned to Roma for another one year loan. Ospina is safe then.
Enjoy your Friday.
SoccerGunz 