Despite being jet-lagged, Nigeria U-23 Dream Team went ahead to answer the clarion call as they rallied to beat Japan 5-4 in an enthralling match.
Oghenekaro Etebo had a huge impact on the game, scoring four goals and also combining well with Sadiq Umar, who was also outstanding by working hard for the team, apart from putting Nigeria 1-0 ahead with only seven minutes played.
It was a crazy first 13 minutes, with Nigeria taking the lead twice and Japan coming back twice to level scores 2-2. However Etebo struck again in the 42minute to ensure that Nigeria lead 3-2 at half time.
Six minutes after the break, Etebo made it 4-2 from the penalty spot. And in the 61st min, he thought he had put the match beyond the Japanese by making it 5-2.
The the jetlag, having arrived Maunus only six hours before the game, took it toll. Takuma Asano and Musashi Suzuki scored in the 70th and 90th minute to force a nervous finish. However Nigeria held on to win their first group game.
Checkpointcharley believes that the trouble with Nigeria lies in leadership. Nigerians have always and continue to give their best for their country. Notwithstanding a shabby treatment by those in power, by not paying for their fight from Atlanta to Brazil so that they could arrive in time and prepare well for the game, Dream Team VI still went ahead to give their best – even when they would have been excused if they lost.
They play Sweden next and could now get the rest they deserve.
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