Under-23 Eagles yesterday in Brazil won the bronze medal after defeating Honduras 3-2 in the men’s football event.At the Belo Horizonte stadium saw the Central Americans tried a late comeback but it was not enough to reduce the deficit after Nigeria went 3-0 went up in 56 minutes.
Sadiq Umar got the first goal after 34 minutes and his namesake Aminu Umar doubled their lead two minutes into the second half.Sadiq Umar scored his second and Nigeria’s third seven minutes later when he controlled another good pass from their captain John Obi Mikel and hammered home from 15 yards (13.7m).
The goal appeared to have guaranteed victory but Honduras came back into the game and threated to win their first Olympic football medal.Antony Lozano got one back after 70 minutes when he headed home a cross from the right and then four minutes from time Marcelo Pereira rose among a pack of players to nod home a free kick.But it was not quite enough and the Nigerians secured their first medal of the Rio games. Brazil take on Germany in the gold medal match later yesterday.
U-23 Eagles Win ‘Golden’ Bronze, Saves Nation’s Image
NIGERIA’S U-23 Eagles team competing in the football event of the Rio Olympics in Brazil, yesterday won a bronze medal after narrowly defeated the Honduras team 3-2, played at the Belo Horizonte arena.
NIGERIA’S U-23 Eagles team competing in the football event of the Rio Olympics in Brazil, yesterday won a bronze medal after narrowly defeated the Honduras team 3-2, played at the Belo Horizonte arena.
Nigeria had failed to book a place in the men’s football final after losing 2-0 to the Germans while Honduras lost 6-0 scandalously to the host, Brazil, for a date for the third place match.A first half goal by Umar Sadiq in the 34th minute gave Nigeria the lead after an attempt on goal by captain John Obi Mikel short was converted by Sadiq.
At the start of the second half, an early minute goal by Aminu Umar after a rebound gave Nigeria a comfortable lead. Sadiq’s strike in the 56th minute after rounding up the defence line before putting the ball pass the Honduras goalkeeper seemed it was over for the American side.
However, Honduras last minute fight back almost forced the game into extra time when two quick goals from Antony Lozano in the 70 minutes and then four minutes from time goal from Marcelo Pereira almost spoilt the fun of a ‘golden’ bronze Nigeria. With this slim victory, the U-23 side will be the only team with a medal.
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