Nigeria’s Dream Team VI stunned the universe on Friday morning when they outclassed Japan 5-4 despite arriving Brazil less than five hours before the clash.
Oghenekaro Etebo grabbed four wonderful goals while tireless worker, Sadiq Umar, added the other for the 1996 gold medallists.
Samson Siasia’s lads now top group B with three points followed by Sweden and Colombia on one apiece while Japan are bottom.
Here are five truths from that nail-biting battle of Manaus.
- Nigerian anthem slur
Nigerians had their noses put out of joint – and their ears offended – after Rio Olympic Games organisers played the wrong national anthem ahead of the clash with Japan.
After the disappointment of almost missing the tournament, the Dream Team were subjected to another emotional and psychological test when their anthem was mistaken for that of Venezuela.
- The Nigerian spirit
Despite several setbacks leading to the tournament, Nigeria were still able to put up an excellent display in Manaus. The team were stuck in their Atlanta, Georgia camp in the United States of America (USA) for several days but still showed the Nigerian spirit which is the never give up attitude.
- Kanu reincarnated
Exactly 20 years ago, a star was born in Nigerian football. His name was Nwankwo Kanu. In Sadiq Umar, the former Arsenal and Ajax striker might have gotten a perfect replica of himself especially with their similar physique and style of play.
The 19-year-old had said of Kanu: “I loved watching him play when I was a kid and every day I work hard on my game to be the best. He is my role model.”
- Etebo is pure class
Etebo once again proved why he has become one of Nigeria’s hottest properties by scoring four goals against the Samurai Blue. Playing from midfield, the former Warri Wolves man towered his way into the opponent’s box constantly and was rewarded for his efforts. He currently leads the scorers chart after the first round of matches.
- Defence needs reshaping
Nigeria won due to the attacking mastery of the forward players but same cannot be said of the defence. Conceding four goals in a single game was simply awful and should be seriously looked into by Siasia ahead of their clash with Sweden on Sunday.
