·Faces Germany in semi-final
Two goals in each half by Nigeria’s Dream Team on Saturday night at the Fonte Nova Arena, Salvador, ensured the defeat of Denmark in a quarter-final clash at the ongoing Rio Olympics.
It was a sweet revenge for the Samson Siasia-men who prior to Rio 2016 were spanked 6-2 by the Danes during an invitational tournament in South Korea in June this year.
Captain John Mikel Obi put the Dream Team ahead in the 16th when he clinically finished a brilliant sole move by Ezekiel Imoh.
Four minutes on, Imoh’s effort missed the target with only the Danes goalkeeper, Jeppe Hojbjerg to beat.
Turkey-based Aminu Umar on resumption sealed victory for the reigning African U-23 champions when he scored with a header in the 60th minute off a corner by Mikel.
The Danes were almost gifted a goal in the dying minutes after goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel had misjudged a loose ball, but the defence line saved the situation.
Meanwhile, Nigeria will now face Germany in the semi-finals on August 17 in Sao Paolo, after the Germans had dumped Portugal 4-0 in the game decided earlier in the day.