Nigeria’s U-23 team will be hoping to book their qualification ticket
to the knockout stages of the Rio Olympic Games as the team face
European champions, Sweden in their second group B match at the Arena
Amazônia on Sunday night at 11pm Nigerian time.
The team defeated
Japan 5-4 in their opening match on Friday despite their jet lag which
never had any psychological effect on them. Goals from Sadiq Umar and
Oghenekaro Etebo, who scored four goals to leap to the top of the
scorers chart, ensured the team pocketed the maximum points to move top
of group B ahead of Sweden and Colombia’s one point.
With the team
already settling down to life in Brazil, Nigeria’s U-23 team coach,
Samson Siasia knows that surmounting their next opponent will further
boost the morale and confidence of his players after conceding four
goals against Japan.
The Atlanta 96 champions must solidify their
defence against a Swedish side that has tall and pacy players in their
disposal, which could cause the team some scare. Besides, Nigeria’s
ability to hold on to possession and put together accurate passes to the
duo strike force of Umar and Etebo are bound to create some goals for
the team.
Meanwhile, Siasia told Supersport.com that the team would remain focused for their next match against Sweden on Sunday.
“We
just won a game; we can’t and won’t allow this victory to go to our
heads. Our target here is to win the gold and this is just the first
step of us achieving that aim.
“No two games are the same; for me
this hurdle is over but when I will have to think of my next game
against Sweden on Sunday,” said Siasia.
The Dream Team final group B match at the Rio Olympic Games Men’s football will be against Colombia on Wednesday.
