The Olympic Eagles got Nigeria’s first medal at the Rio Olympics after edging Honduras 3-2 in the men’s football event bronze medal match in Belo Horizonte on Saturday.
Umar Sadiq (brace) and Aminu Umar scored for Nigeria, while Antony Lozano and Marcelo Pereira got Honduras two goals.
Nigeria had the first real chance of the game through Aminu Umar on seven minutes but his low strike came off the post.
In the 10th minute, Aminu went close again but couldn’t beat the Honduras keeper.
A minute later, Honduras had a chance from a corner which Daniel punched away.
Nigeria went close again in the 19th minute through Usman Muhammed but he couldn’t direct his header to goal as it went inches over the bar.
Daniel was called to action on 22 minutes, parrying away a long-range shot for a corner.
In the 26th minute Ezekiel was left unmarked inside Honduras’ box but his left-foot shot missed the target.
Daniel came to Nigeria’s rescue in the 33rd minute stopping a one-on-one situation.
Sadiq broke the deadlock in the 34th minute tapping in Mikel’s cross to give Nigeria a 1-0 lead.
In the final minutes of added time, Honduras almost drew level off a free-kick but the ball hit the side-netting.
Ezekiel had a chance to double Nigeria’s lead after dribbling past two defenders but his weak shot was saved by the Honduras keeper.
Aminu made it 2-0 to Nigeria on 49 minutes finishing off a Mike shot.
Umar made it 3-0 to Nigeria off Mikel’s assist, beating his marker before hitting a left-foot shot past the keeper.
In the 64th minute Amuzie hit a long-range shot but his effort came off the side-net.
Daniel was called to action on 66 minutes parrying away a goal-bound low shot away for a corner.
A minute later Umar had a chance to extend Nigeria’s lead after he was put through on goal but his strike came off the keeper.
Honduras made it 3-1 in the 71st minute through Antony Lozano who headed in a cross from the right.
Nigeria made their first change on 80 minutes with Kingsley Madu replacing Ezekiel.
Umar almost got his hat-trick on 84 minutes but couldn’t direct Amuzie’s cross to goal.
Marcelo Pereira reduced the deficit to 3-2 heading in a free-kick.
In the 89th minute Popoola Saliu replaced Umar for Nigeria’s second change.
Nigeria made their final change with Saturday Erimuya replaced Muhammed.
Saliu had Nigeria’s last chance in the final minute but his low shot was saved by the keeper.
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That useless sport minister can see now, the same team he said they don't have any business with their problem was the only team that produced the medal at the Olympics...You can see your life. I still don't understand how this man became a minister in Nigeria. President Buhari why?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. We are proud of you guys.
ReplyDeleteI am happy for the boys, the coach and the coaching crew. This is a consolation...at least, all their efforts are not in vain...Well,as events are unfolding...
ReplyDeleteonly 1 bronze,this is a shame, a country with +- 175 mill. people, nawaoooo
ReplyDelete