The dream of getting gold in football at the Rio Olympics was kept alive with another admirable team performance from coach Samson Siasia and the Dream Team VI. Although the match against the Danes was not a blockbuster, Nigeria did the needful to emerge victors in the quarter final match and set up a meeting with Germany in the semis. Here are the five things we learnt from the Nigeria vs Denmark match 1.Brilliant goalkeeping: For the second time in the tournament the Dream Team did not concede a goal owing to superb goalkeeping from the Enugu Rangers number one Emmanuel Daniel.
Daniel made five point blank saves alone in the first half to keep Nigeria in the lead after the first 45 minutes which also gave the boys up front confidence.
2. Menacing Ezekiel: Nigeria did not seem to miss Etebo as Imoh Ezekiel tormented the Danish defence from the blast of whistle one of which assisted Mikel for the first goal.
Ezekiel’s high technical abilities turned defence to attack which eased pressure for the U-23 side when sitting back to regroup. The 22-year-old is yet to score at the tournament as two of his chances went wide.
3. Captain fantastic: The match against Denmark is arguably Mikel’s best match at the ongoing Rio Olympics. Aside from registering his first goal at the Games, the Chelsea midfielder was hungry for goals as he pushed further ahead in the attack
Mikel played a more commanding position at the center of the field and was control of his teammates when tempers flaired.
4. Rock steady defence: The defence were more organized and co-ordinated with the return of Sincere, Amuzie and Shehu with the saves from Daniel help a keep clean sheet.
William Ekong who is one of the defenders of the Olympics also showed his mettle cutting down fast breaks and showing his aerial strength on the ball.
5. Team spirit: After being paid their allowances, the team showed great passion flying the green and white colours in Brazil as a spirited performance from the squad made the difference against Denmark.
