Nigeria national U-23 team, the Dream Team VI, stunned powerhouse Brazil 1-0 in an international friendly at the Estádio Kléber Andrade on Friday morning.
Much talk was about the Samba Boys inflicting a revenge on the Nigerians who stopped them from claiming an elusive Olympic male football gold medal exactly 20 years ago.
But on the contrary, it was Fatai Amoo’s lads who claimed an unbelievable victory over the 2016 Summer Olympics host in their own backyard.
Ubong Ekpai’s solitary strike after just three minutes was all the African champions needed to sink the South Americans.
On parade for the record World Cup winners were some of the most exciting youngsters in Europe which includes Lazio hotshot, Felipe Anderson, Chelsea defender, Wallace, as well as Monaco’s Fabinho.
Others on show include Manchester United star, Andrea Pereira, and Benfica’s Ederson.
The Nigerians were without majority of their foreign pros with Liverpool new boy, Taiwo Awoniyi, paired upfront alongside Imoh Ezekiel while Flying Eagles skipper, Musa Mohammed, started in defence.
In the absence of regular captain, Okechukwu Azubuike and partner Etebo Oghenekaro, who are both with the Super Eagles squad, Amoo handed starts to local lads Sodiq Popoola and Stanley Dimgba in midfield.
But the former international will have goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel to thank for shutting out a very attacking Brazilian side.
The Enugu Rangers shot-stopper, who was equally impressive at the CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations, proved his abilities once again with another top-notch performance for the Olympic-bound Eagles.
Gabigol, Alisson and Felipe all had at least two chances to win the game for Seleção Brasileira but consistent misses plus excellent goalkeeping from Daniel denied them victory.
However with the introduction of Clayton, Doria, Luciano and Malcom, the Dream Team VI backline was placed under constant check – but the hosts failed to convert begging chances.
The victory will serve as a morale booster for the Nigerians and reality check for the Brazilians as both sides prepare for the Rio Olympic Games.
Brazil will play another friendly on March 27 against South Africa, who alongside Algeria and Nigeria are Africa’s three representatives at the biggest sports fiesta in the world.
The draw for the tournament will be staged in Rio next month.
