Sadiq Umar's Goal Sends Nigeria To Rio Olympic Games Quarter Finals

Sadiq Umar’s 40th minute goal was all that the Nigeria U23 needed to progress to the quarter finals of the ongoing 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

The Samson Siasia-led team, which was abandoned by the Nigerian Sports Ministry and the National Olympics Committee beat Sweden at the Arena Amazonia in Manaus on Sunday and retain their top

position, this time with 6 points and at least a draw in their next game will seal the top spot for the Nigerian team, which might help them avoid some dangerous teams at the next stage.

Unlike their first game, the Dream Team VI, as they are referred to played a more calmer and matured game against Sweden, except that Oghenekaro Etebo missed some beautiful chances which could have made the scoreline much more attractive than the way it is, but three points is all that matters at the end of the day.

At half –time, the domination was somewhat embarrassing, with the Nigeria U23 credited with 62 per cent possession and having played seven corner kicks to their opponents’ none.

Skipper Mikel John Obi came close three minutes after the break but his shot was pushed away by the Swedish goalkeeper.

2008 Olympics silver medallists Nigeria next play Colombia at the Arena dos Corinthians in Sao Paulo on Wednesday evening.