5 goals, the opener from Sadiq Umar, 4 from Oghenekaro Etebo was enough for the Nigerian Olympic team to see off their Japanese counterpart. Despite all odds, the jet-lagged lads gave Nigerians a hope of success as it was in the 1996 campaign.
As it is always said, every event, circumstance or encounter goes with its lesson, on the positive or negative.
Here are 5 things we learnt from the Nigeria vs Japan encounter:
1. Lateness is no excuse for failure
The Dream Team VI suffered the unimaginable before heading for South America yesterday. After three flight cancellations, the team finally headed for Rio barely 14 hours to their first match. However, they remained undaunted in their struggle for success, going all the way to score 5 goals against an efficient Japan.
2. Nigeria will scoop the gold
Atlanta airport where the team took off yesterday, tweeted yesterday; “20 years ago, the Nigerian #Olympic soccer team arrived late in #ATL after a travel mix up. They won gold,” it tweeted. “This year, another mix up. @Delta stepped up, offered charter, and the Eagles are going to #Brazil. Another gold?
Also, this is only the second time a Nigerian Olympic team will win their opening match. The last time it occurred, they won gold.
Are these not indications that we are up for the gold?
3. Our defense needs to improve
Irrespective of travel fatigue, 4 goals are a whole lot to concede for a team that is dreaming of going far in a tournament. Worse still, one of the goals was conceded at extra time. Siasia boys need to improve on defense in coming matches.
4. Etebo is a messiah
He may not be the striker with the Thierry Henry flare, the Ronaldo dribbles or the Lionel Messi swiftness but you will always find him when needed, especially in the 18 box. More is expected of him in the coming games.
5. Mikel needs to step up
Not a good game for the Chelsea player. However, his leadership and experience is needed on and off the pitch. Mikel needs to justify why he was selected as one of the overaged players and he needs to do that fast
6. It's indeed a 'United States of Nigeria'
One of the best ways to measure patriotism in Nigeria is football. Despite the odd timing (2am), millions of Nigerians were awake to watch the encounter. Several tweeted continuously about it and some still shouted ' goooooooaaaaaal' the usual way. All these are indications of Nigeria's unity when it comes to soccer. Unity in the cause of victory. Therefore, the Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung may not be wrong after all, for saying United States of Nigeria.'
As it is always said, every event, circumstance or encounter goes with its lesson, on the positive or negative.
Here are 5 things we learnt from the Nigeria vs Japan encounter:
1. Lateness is no excuse for failure
The Dream Team VI suffered the unimaginable before heading for South America yesterday. After three flight cancellations, the team finally headed for Rio barely 14 hours to their first match. However, they remained undaunted in their struggle for success, going all the way to score 5 goals against an efficient Japan.
2. Nigeria will scoop the gold
Atlanta airport where the team took off yesterday, tweeted yesterday; “20 years ago, the Nigerian #Olympic soccer team arrived late in #ATL after a travel mix up. They won gold,” it tweeted. “This year, another mix up. @Delta stepped up, offered charter, and the Eagles are going to #Brazil. Another gold?
Also, this is only the second time a Nigerian Olympic team will win their opening match. The last time it occurred, they won gold.
Are these not indications that we are up for the gold?
3. Our defense needs to improve
Irrespective of travel fatigue, 4 goals are a whole lot to concede for a team that is dreaming of going far in a tournament. Worse still, one of the goals was conceded at extra time. Siasia boys need to improve on defense in coming matches.
4. Etebo is a messiah
He may not be the striker with the Thierry Henry flare, the Ronaldo dribbles or the Lionel Messi swiftness but you will always find him when needed, especially in the 18 box. More is expected of him in the coming games.
5. Mikel needs to step up
Not a good game for the Chelsea player. However, his leadership and experience is needed on and off the pitch. Mikel needs to justify why he was selected as one of the overaged players and he needs to do that fast
6. It's indeed a 'United States of Nigeria'
One of the best ways to measure patriotism in Nigeria is football. Despite the odd timing (2am), millions of Nigerians were awake to watch the encounter. Several tweeted continuously about it and some still shouted ' goooooooaaaaaal' the usual way. All these are indications of Nigeria's unity when it comes to soccer. Unity in the cause of victory. Therefore, the Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung may not be wrong after all, for saying United States of Nigeria.'
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