Nigeria’s ambition to win the Olympic soccer gold for the second time was dashed on Wednesday as the Dream Team lost 0-2 to Germany, in the semi-final of the Rio 2016.
The Germans shot into the lead barely eight minutes into the game through Lukas Klostermann, while substitute Petersen nailed the John Mikel Obi-captained side with another goal with two minutes remaining.
Nigeria, winner of the 1996 edition of the Olympic football will now face Honduras in the battle for the bronze medal.
Meanwhile, hosts, Brazil on Wednesday walloped Honduras 6-0 at the Maracana Stadium to qualify for the final of the Rio 2016 Olympics.
Neymar’s opening goal against Honduras was timed as the fastest-ever at the Olympics when he hit the back of the net after just 15 seconds.
After a laboured start to their Olympics campaign in front of their partisan home fans, Neymar and company have now gone seven hours without conceding a goal.
The hosts are now just a match away from clinching a first-ever Olympic gold, which has long eluded the Samba Stars.
Four years ago in London, they came very close to breaking this jinx only to lose the gold medal following a 1-2 loss to Mexico.
Brazil’s women soccer team it will be recalled lost on penalties to Sweden in the semi-final of the Rio 2016.