Nigeria dismantle Denmark, into final four
The
latest edition of Nigeria's Men's Olympic Football Tournament 'Dream
Team' saw off Denmark in a straightforward 2-0 quarter-final victory at
the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador. John Obi Mikel and Aminu Umar got the
goals, either side of half-time, to send their side to Sao Paulo for a
meeting with Germany on Wednesday.
After
both sides were defeated in their respective final group games, each
had a point to prove heading into the last eight clash. Nigeria were by
far the most forward-thinking and took the initiative in the opening
half, swiftly moving the ball to either flank to try and get in behind a
sturdy Danish defence.
Imoh
Ezekiel shone brightest for the Super Eagles, a constant thorn in the
side of the Danes. Indeed the No9 almost produced a goal in the opening
minutes, his blocked shot falling to Sadiq Umar, who could only find
Denmark's goalkeeper Jeppe Hojbjerg.
The
Danes responded, with Casper Nielsen bringing the ball down superbly on
his chest, before hitting an effort at goal which touched the crossbar
on its way over.
At
the end of the opening period, the Nigerians made their pace tell.
Ezekiel burst down the left-hand side and into the Danish penalty area,
before squaring across to Mikel, who had the simplest of tasks to side
foot home.
Into
the second half, Ezekiel once again proved himself a nuisance to Niels
Frederiksen's side, twisting and turning his way past several Denmark
challenges on the left-hand side of the Danish penalty area before
opening his body and firing a shot over the crossbar.
Samson
Siasia's team would have their second goal though, after Mikel turned
provider. The Chelsea midfielder curled a devilish corner into the
penalty area from the Nigeria left, and Aminu Umar rose to expertly
guide the ball past Hojbjerg.
Despite
a late chance for substitute Oluwafemi Ajayi, the Nigerians did not add
to their lead, but progressed serenely through to the semi-finals. The
Danes head home without a medal, unable to match or better the 1960 side
that claimed silver in Italy.
The
Nigerians will face Germany in Sao Paulo on Wednesday, which will be
the first time the pair have met in an Olympic Football Tournament.
Hakuna maoni