(Photo: NBC Olympics)
(Photo: NBC Olympics)

Nigeria’s Dream Team VI, the U-23 Olymic football squad has beaten Sweden. The win at Arena Amazona in Manaus, Brazil means Nigeria is effectively in the quarterfinals of the football events of the 2016 Olympic Games.

The match between Nigeria and Sweden was one that did not disappoint ticket holders. It was a great sweaty encounter that drew the best out of the two sides.

Nigeria’s attackers, Mikel Obi, Umar Sadiq and Ogharekaro Etebo could easily have made the tournament a harvest of goals but Swedish goalkeeper, Linde Andreas said no on several occasions. Andreas was like the Rock of Gibraltar which refused to yield to all forms of attack.

Sweden too gave a good account of themselves. Their fiery attacks showed they were not in the Rio Olympics for the fun of it.

Nigeria’s 39th minute goal courtesy of a header by Umar Sadiq was the game changer. Sadiq put a beautiful effect to a volley by Stanley Amuzie.

On Friday, Nigeria surprised most bookmakers by beating Japan 4 – 0. Now, the Dream Team VI leads Group B with six points followed by Colombia. Japan is at the bottom of the group with no point yet.