SWEDEN U23 vs NIGERIA U23 LIVE Olympics 0 - 1

SWEDEN U23 vs NIGERIA U23
LIVE

Olympics

0 - 1



Nigeria are now through to the quarter final

Full Time: Sweden 0-1 Nigeria

90+4' Nigeria almost home and dry

90+3' Madu hit a low shot which is saved by Linde

90' Four minutes of extra time will be added

90' Big Clearance: Seth with a big goal bound clearance



89'Imoh Ezekiel runs into trouble on the edge of the penalty area, with Nigeria's forwards looking a little bit leggy at this point. There are two minutes of stoppage time at Arena Amazonia. Sweden almost equalised courtesy Jdarevic.
87'The trailing side are still working very hard indeed to ensure that they aren't embarrassed by Nigeria. Khalili is released down the left-hand side and whips in a cross, but Sincere rises above Ishak to head clear. Offside though against Sweden
85'Sweden don't look to be able to mount any kind of big come-back, with Ericson’s changes not turning his side into a more potent offensive machine. Nigeria still look as though they want to send their fans home smiling with another goal this evening.
83'Kingsley Madu in for captain Mikel. Siasia has made his changes tactically, resting those who might be at a risk of injury. All that Dream Team VI need to do now is see this one out, though Sweden will fancy giving their fans something else to cheer about.


80'Etebo has been lively since coming onto the field, getting one shot away and now, his spin is too quick for Sema who takes him out and is booked for his troubles.

77'This match has just been a demonstration of the gulf between these two sides - not only in class, but also depth. The sheer amount of talent in reserve for Nigeria is really frightening.

Aminu umar (in) Sadiq umar (out)

Robin Quaison (in) Muamer Tankovic (out)

74'Latecomer Aminu Umar in. The statistics suggest a much more even game than it has been. Nigeria have more shots as Sweden trail in possession, and have even conceded more fouls. Another brilliant save by Linde

71'Etebo makes a run through the Swedes' flank, sends a low cross to onrushing Umar but he failed to connect. That could have been a disaster for Hakan Ericson's side who need a win desperately

68'Siasia has plenty of players out warming up on the sidelines, with Dream Team having the luxury of resting players to avoid missing the game versus . Sweden are trying to get a foothold in proceedings at present, but they are only seeing possession due to Nigeria's willingness to sit back and rest.

65'Adam Lundvist theatrics fails to fool the referee after falling cheaply in the Nigerian goal area, he is aware that it's a mountain for his team to climb at this stage.

Adam Lundkvist (Yellow Card)

62'Alexander Fransson out for Ken Sema. That could be the needed change to bring the Europeans back to life in this encounter dominated by the Dream Team VI59'Still, apart from that opening for Fransson moments ago, there's not a whole lot happening for Sweden in terms of goalscoring chances. They have a good opportunity to do so as Nigeria are inviting pressure on themselves. Lundovisit cautioned for his rough tackle on Etebo.

55'Nigeria get the ball moving once again for the second period, with Sweden's fans desperately trying to get their men pumped up. This could get very embarrassing if Siasia’s team are able to recreate their first-half showing.

52'Another wondersave from Linde off Etebo's long range effort. Yet another cornerkick for Nigeria. Quickly taken Stanley Amuzie side nets

49'Mikel Obi forces goalkeeper Linde to make a fine save as Nigeria win their ninth cornerkick in this encounter. Dazzling run from Abdullahi Shehu who tore apart Blågult backline

46'We are back underway in Manaus! Siasia’s men have a goal cushion heading into the second half. Will that see them into the knockout round?The fairytale continues

44'It's been nearly uninterrupted Nigeria possession for the past few minutes. Surprisingly though, Samson Siasia’s side have only held 57 per cent of the ball - I expected that figure to be significantly higher.

42'It was poor defending from Sweden, as a half-clearance from Adam Milosevic fell right to the AS Roma man, who did the rest. Already, it's looking like a mountain to climb for the Europeans

39' Goal!!!!!!!!!!! Sadiq Umar

39'Adam Lundqvist almost headed into his own net in his bid to clear a dangerous swing from Imoh Ezekiel. And fially Sadiq Umar heads in. What a goal from the AS Roma forward.

36'Another chance blown away by Etebo. The lively Imoh send a cross to the Swedes' backline but the four-goal hero against Japan could only head over the cross bar. Chances like this don't come often

33'Excellent tackle by Alexander Milosevic on Imoh Ezekiel as the game moves gradually into half time. With less than a quarter of an hour on the clock in this first half, Dream Team VI haven't really needed to get out of second gear.

30'GREAT CHANCE FOR NIGERIA! Certainly their best of the game. Mikel send a long ball to Imoh who dribbles two defenders, makes a short pass to Sadiq Umar who shoots into the waiting hands of goalkeeper Linde. Another great save from Linde and it’s a corner kick for Siasia’s team

27'Mikael Ishak is fouled by William Ekong and that is a free kick to Sweden. Quickly taken and Nigeria win ball possession again

24'There's definitely space behind the Sweden’s midfield if Nigeria are quick enough to transition from defence to attack. Though the Dream Team VI are getting sucked a little far upfield as they dominate the ball. Freekick to Nigeria as Abdullahi Shehu is fouled

21'Nigeria continue to hunt in packs, with Aminu and Imoh yet to make their presence really felt. At the other end, Mikael Ishak receives a fine cross from captain Ajdarevic but shoots wide

18'As this match is progressing, it's becoming clear that Sweden don't have much of an idea of how to proceed in attack other than exploiting opportunities that Nigeria present them - which has hardly been anything so far.

15'Sweden wrangle a spell of possession, but struggle to advance the ball out of their own half. Nigeria are doing a good job of overloading the middle and pressing the opposition off the ball.

12'Nigeriaare stringing together some neat passages of play, with Siasia's side not afraid to get the ball down and try and play. Eventually, however, they always have to plump for a long ball up to Etebo who has seems to have two defenders on him

9'Nice effort from Etebo who tries to put Dream Team VI ahead but goalkeeper Andeas Linde has been forced to make a double save. It is a corner kick to Nigeria. Excellent goalkeeping from the young Swede

6'Good effort from Tibbling! Sweden play some lovely interlinking football through the middle, with the midfielder teed up neatly by Konate but he fails to threaten goalkeeper Daniel

3'Both teams have had their chances to take the lead but it is still a scoreless affair here as both teams thread softly to avoid conceeding first.

1'We are underway in the first half in Brazil! Nigeria will fancy their chances of reaching the knock out phase, but this are in dire need of a win too. Will this be another high scoring affair?

SWEDEN XI: Linde, Lundqqvist, Milosevic, Nilsson, Konate, Khalili, Tibbling, Fransson, Quaison, Ajdrevic, Ishak

NIGERIA XI: Daniel, Sincere, Shehu, Ekong, Etebo, Ezekiel, Mikel, Umar, Azubuike, Amuzie, Muhammed
Nigeria U23 are unchanged for the second successive game as they look to get past the Europeans who are in dire need of a win

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NIGERIA U23 5-4 JAPAN U23: ETEBO SCORES FANTASTIC FOUR GOALS AS SIASIA BOY'S EARNED 3POINT FROM THEIR FIRST GAME

The Dream Team played an interesting first game at the Olympics to earn their first three points in Manaus on Friday
Despite arriving late for their opening game of the Olympic Games, Nigeria outscored Japan 5-4 in Manaus courtesy of four goals from Oghenekaro Etebo on Friday.

The Nigerians were a late show for the tournament after flight delays meant that Samson Siasia and his team arrived in Amazonia less than seven hours to their first game at the Olympics, 20 years after they struck gold in Atlanta.

Yet, they did not look harried as they dispatched Asian U23 champions Japan in a game of nine goals that saw some naive defending early on as the first half ended with five strikes.

Attacker Sadiq Umar, who had a very good game, put the Nigerians in the lead early in the sixth minute when he pounced on a rebound after goalkeeper Masatoshi Kushibiki had blocked a shot from Imoh Ezekiel.

Moments after the restart, Japan won a penalty when Stanley Amuzie’s tackle on Takumi Minamino inside the Nigeria box was deemed too strong.

Shinzo Koroki stepped up to take the spot kick and he slotted the ball past Emmanuel Daniel who dived the wrong way to make it 1-1.

Nigeria would also score immediately after the restart when an Abdulahi Shehu cross found Etebo inside the box, the midfielder escaped his marker to score for his first of the game.

Just as the game got back underway, Japan equalized via Minamino who was set off on a good run by Ryota Oshima who found the Nigeria back line wide open.

Proceedings then eased up as both sides found their defensive discipline with the frenetic pace of the game.

However, Nigeria would find another opportunity to score late in the first half as Etebo pounced on his own rebound to head into the Japan goal after Umar’s brilliant work inside the box created all manner of trouble for the defenders.

Five minutes into the second half, Umar once again showed his dexterity as he won a penalty after his heel was clipped by a Japanese defender.

It was that man Etebo who stepped up to take the responsibility and he wasted no effort in slotting past Kushibiki for his hat trick.

Japan coach Makoto Teguramori made quick change and brought on star forward Takuma Asano for Riki Harakawa. This was an inspired move that rejuvenated the Samurai Blues attack as they chased the equalizer.

However, it was Nigeria who extended their lead minutes later with Etebo
notching his fourth of the game from 30 yards after Kushibiki’s clearance left his goal line empty.

Asano ensured that Japan would remain in the game with a 70th minute side-heel inside the box off a pass from Hiroki Fujiharu.

The Samurai Blues continued to chase the game and substitute Musashi Suzuki scored late in added on time to make it 5-4.

However, it was to be a little too late as the referee brought the game to a close afterwards.

Nigeria now lead Group B with three points after Sweden and Colombia played out a 2-2 draw earlier in the day.

They will hope to get some needed rest before facing Sweden in their next game in Manaus on Sunday.

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NIGERIA U23 vs JAPAN U23 LIVE: Olympics

NIGERIA U23 vs JAPAN U23

LIVE: Olympics

5 - 3

S. Umar 6'
E. Oghenekaro 10', 42'51'64'

S. Koroki 9'
T. Minamino 11'
Asano 70'

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Despite arriving late due to flight problems, Nigeria win their first game in Manaus. They face Sweden next while Japan will play against Colombia. Still a lot to play for in this group.

90' + 5'GOAL! Suzuki scores to make it 5-4, just one more and they'd be equal. The substitute picked his spot to slot home beyond Daniel.

86'Mikel is hauled off with four minutes left and the diminutive Soliu Popoola comes on in his place.

85'Japan win a corner kick after Mikel conceded possession in the midfield. Japan have not given up this one with five minutes left in the game.78'Ndifreke Udo on for Imoh Ezekiel


78'Ndifreke Udo on for Imoh Ezekiel

76' Shoya Nakajima (OUT)  Shinya Yajima (IN)

76'Japan throw in Yajima, another striker in search of the equalizer. Nigeria's substitution has stemmed the onslaught against t

71'Nigeria bring in a defender Kingsley Madu for a midfielder Usman Muhammed as they try to keep the Japanese at bay in this one.

70'GOAL! Substitute Asano scores with a back heel off a pass from Fujihar

64'GOAL!!! Etebo scores his fourth goal of the game from well outside the box after Kushibiki's clearance.61'Nigeria counter attack and a one-two sets up Mikel for a volley shot which goes just wide of Kushibiki's cross bar.

60'Japan win their own free kick off Sincere Seth and the kick is taken, headed across goal but Nigeria clear.

58'Nigeria win a free kick about 30 yards out. Mikel sets it up but his loop into the box flies above all the waiting heads.53'

Riki Harakawa (OUT)

Takuma Asano (IN)

53'Japan make the first change of the game as they send on star player Takuma Asano who's expected to play upfront and take the game to the Nigerians.

GOAL!!!!!!!!!!! 51'ETEBO sends  Masatoshi KUSHIBIKI the wrong way to make it 4 for Nigeria and  hat-trick for himself

50'PENALTY! Nigeria win a penalty via Sadiq Umar who got the best of two defenders but has his heel clipped. Referee didn't hesitate with the call. Etebo steps up to take it47'Japan out with greater intent this half and they win an early corner kick after Sincere Seth cleared a cross into the Nigeria box.

46'We're back for the second half

45'Another great hustle from Sadiq Umar as his cross finds Etebo but the pace is too much for the midfielder who couldn't quite connect cleanly.

42'GOAL!!! Etebo pounces on his own rebound to head into goal after some brilliant hold up play by Sadiq Umar.

37'Azubuike's shot goes well wide of the post after another Nigeria attack. The Eagles have pinned back their opponents into their own half and should be looking to make the possession count.

33'Nigeria are playing so many men forward and this has kept the Japanese in defence for the past three minutes.

30'A long ball into the Japan defence by Troost-Ekong sees the defenders scampering for cover but Nigeria's final ball just goes wide of an attacker as Japan escape going behind again.

27'While Nigeria have tried to go through the middle, the Samurai Blues have worked more through the wings with some incisive passing that keeps finding space.

24'Nakajima profits from a bad clearance from Shehu but sees his shot blocked for a corner. Daniel picks up the cross to ease the tension in the Nigeria box.

15'It seems the early goals have dried up for the moment as both teams have settled down after that frenzied start. The ball is being moved around better and the defenders seem to have found their confidence in both teams.

11'GOAL!!! Minamino scores for Japan straight from the kick off. It's raining goals in Manaus!!!

10'GOAL!!!! Unbelievable, Etebo gets a cross inside the box and shoots to score. Amazing atmosphere in this game.

9'GOAL! Koroki coolly sends Daniel the wrong way to get the game back on level terms.

8'PENALTY! Japan win a penalty straight off the re-start as Amuzie is called for a foul on Minamino

6'GOAL! Sadiq Umar scores for Nigeria off the pace as he pounces on a rebound from Imoh Ezekiel whose shot was parried by Japan goalkeeper Kushibiki. What a lifeline for Nigeria this early.

3'SAVE! Daniel gets behind an Oshima volley after the attacker left the defence blind-sided. The Japanese have looked the sharper this opening period.

1'Nigeria get us along for the kick off.

NIGERIA LINE UP
18 Emmanuel DANIEL (GK),
2 Seth MUENFUH
4 Abdullahi SHEHU
6 William TROOST-EKONG
8 Oghenekaro ETEBO
9 Imoh EZEKIEL
10 John Obi MIKEL (C)
13 Sadiq UMAR
14 Azubuike OKECHUKWU
16 Stanley AMUZIE
17 Usman MUHAMMED

JAPAN LINE UP
1 M

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