Samson Siasia's side could potentially face
the hosts in the next round after sealing
progression as Group B winners following
their 1-0 defeat of Sweden on Sunday
Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Sweden means they have
sealed qualification to the quarter-finals of the
Olympics men's football event and will emerge
from Group B as leaders after establishing an
unassailable lead at the top of the standings with six
points and a +2 goal difference after Colombia's
second draw against Japan on Sunday.
With their position as group leaders confirmed,
Nigeria will face the second placed team in Group A
consisting of Denmark, Brazil, Iraq, and South
Africa. Although all four teams could still finish as
runners-up, hosts Brazil are in second place as
things stand and are poised to be Dream Team VI’s
quarter-final opponents.
This current crop of Brazilian Olympians led by
Neymar, are yet to find the back of the net after
two goalless draws in their opening games against
South Africa and Iraq.
With expectations high for the team to win Brazil’s
first Olympic football gold medal, Neymar and co
have been largely disappointing and should prove
ideal opponents for Samson Siasia’s men.
However, it would be unwise to write off a team as
talented as this Selecao side, especially one
boasting the services of Barcelona superstar
Neymar, Manchester City new recruit Gabriel Jesus,
and Santos hotshot Gabriel Barbosa, and with
history suggesting the goal-shy team are bound to
find the back of the net sooner, they are a potent
force that could spark into life without prior
warning.
The nature of kick-out competitions means any
error could be severely punished, and the smallest
of margins may prove vital. With the vociferous
home crowd backing the Brazilians, Nigeria would
perhaps wish to avoid them for as long as possible.
To be the best, however, one must beat the best,
and the Mikel John Obi-captained side have shown
us thus far that they are capable of overcoming any
opponent even when the odds are against them as
they proved in the 5-4 win over Japan despite their
late arrival in Manaus due to several flight delays
and administrative errors.
The Nwankwo Kanu-led team at the Atlanta 1996
Games faced Brazil twice; a 1-0 loss in the group
stage before the dramatic 4-3 win in the semi-final
when Nigeria twice came from behind to secure a
historic victory.
Siasia's side have spoken of being inspired by
their predecessors' achievements 20 years ago and
they could take some motivation from the heroes of
'96 if they cross paths with Rogerio Micale's star
studded team in the quarter finals.
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